Thursday of the Third Week

Reflection

The readings for this day seem to be God's call to us all to do His work. The Gospel ends with Jesus' call to gather God's people as He has, "whoever does not gather with me, scatters."  

In the reading from Jeremiah, there is a strong call to humility along with that gathering work.  In the first reading, Jeremiah is told to deliver the word of God but also told that he will not be believed.  In the Gospel passage, as Jesus sets a man free from a demon, He must also counter the accusation that His power to cast out demons is from evil and not from God, His father.  Jesus explains this resistance to accepting God's word with, "...when the...stronger one overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied."  

We fear losing our comfortable way of understanding the world.  We fear losing our false sense of power and assurance.  It is the Psalm that tells us how to conquer those fears. We need to keep our hearts open to God's Word and harden not our hearts.

Prayer

As Jesus offered up His life for us, help us Lord, to offer up our false security to better serve You, Your truth, Your love, and Your people.

Stephanie Noakes, ’80, M’09

Scripture

First Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28

Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website