By Shanborlang Mawrie csc
Readings: Jer 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23
Today’s readings speak about the people who were not ready to see, listen, and change because of the stubbornness in their hearts. Prophet Jeremiah spoke about the faithful acts of God to his people despite their stubbornness. God sent Prophet Jeremiah to remind the Israelites to come
back to him, to listen to, and obey, his words.
In the gospel reading, Jesus who was honest, had been accused and the people could not accept when he was casting out a demon who was mute. Though Jesus revealed himself as the son of God on several occasions, still people were finding it difficult to accept him. When I reflect on my life, I find that I am not far from those people who were stubborn even after repeated reminders through various people and occasions.
It is not an easy task, but I should place my complete trust in God so that I will be firm in what I think and do, even though I have to go through the processes of misunderstanding, criticism and rejection like Jesus had to do even while dying on the cross.
Jesus continues to challenge my stubbornness in refusing to see goodness in others and appreciate their good work. I really understand that if I do not realize the blessings of God in my life, how will I see the goodness of God in others? I find that it is not an easy task for me to see and appreciate goodness in others because of my stubbornness, pride, selfishness and sometimes, my prejudices. This is a call for me, especially in this season of Lent, to realize how I need to reform my attitude and be Christ-like.
Therefore, I must be humble to go to the Lord who is calling me to listen to him and nourish my daily life with his word, Eucharist, prayer, fasting and almsgiving which are the spiritual food so that I can get the strength to fight against pride and selfishness that can separate me from God.