THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT
Obey my voice...
The Word: "Obedience" a virtue which the sacred Scripture adorns with high esteem that is better than sacrifice. (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Mystery of the day: Luminous
Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 7:23-28
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2.6-7abc.7d-9 (R. 7d-8a)
Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13
Gospel: Luke 11:14-23
Inspiration: On our tabloid today, we wish to reflect on "Obedience" a virtue which the sacred Scripture adorns with high esteem that is better than sacrifice. (cf. 1 Sam. 15:22-23). The fundamental question is, obedience to who or what? Is it to obey our carnal feelings? To obey what offends God?
More still, is it a matter of obeying with the hope to be raised to the status of fame and glory which will not last the day? No. The obedience here has to do with God and all constituted authorities. It is on this note that the Lord invited us through the prophecy of Jeremiah to reflect today as Prophet Jeremiah announced: Thus says the LORD: “This command I gave my people, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you." (Jer. 7:23ff.)
However, Christ our Master in His life has taught us what it means to be obedient; despite His Heavenly glory, power and fame as He emptied Himself took human form with humility, and became obedient to the point of death – even death on the cross - kenosis (cf. Phil. 2:7-8). This virtue of obedience is enshrined in love, for if we truly profess our love to God we have to keep to heart His detects and ordinances. As imitators of Christ, we are obliged to keep God’s law in our daily living experience through our thoughts, words and actions. Then in doing this without any feeling of pride or arrogant we stand to experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living; as God is ever ready to assist us in every way.
Finally, let us try our best to respond positively to this wonderful call for salvation; for when we do this, the steadfastness of God's love will enrich us. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“The Devil doesn’t fear austerity but holy obedience.''
- Francis de Sales:
Let us pray
We call on your loving kindness and trust in your mercy, O Lord, that since we have from you all that we are, through your grace we may seek what is right and have strength to do the good we desire. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 07032024
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