Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Table of the Word
Frist Reading: Jeremiah 7:23–28
Responsorial 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
Theme: Obey My Voice…
Reflection
In our reflection today, we focus on obedience, a virtue that Sacred Scripture holds in the highest esteem. The Bible reminds us that “obedience is better than sacrifice” (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22–23).
But the question arises: obedience to whom or to what?
Is it obedience to our selfish desires and fleeting emotions?
Is it obedience to worldly expectations that often contradict the will of God?
True obedience is obedience to God and to legitimate authority established by Him. It is not motivated by the desire for fame, recognition, or temporary glory. Rather, it springs from a heart that trusts and loves God.
Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord reminds His people of the covenant relationship He desires with them:
“Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; walk in all the ways that I command you, that it may be well with you.” (Jer. 7:23)
Sadly, the people hardened their hearts and refused to listen. This warning echoes in the Responsorial Psalm today:
“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”
Christ Himself becomes the perfect model of obedience. Though He possessed divine glory, He humbled Himself, took on our human condition, and became obedient unto death even death on the Cross (cf. Philippians 2:7–8). This total self-emptying, known as kenosis, reveals that true obedience is born from love.
Therefore, if we truly love God, we must keep His commandments and live according to His will in our thoughts, words, and actions. Such obedience must be practiced with humility, not pride or arrogance. When we live this way, we experience the goodness of the Lord even in the midst of life’s struggles.
As we journey through this holy season of Lent, the Lord invites us once again to listen attentively to His voice and respond with a faithful and obedient heart.
May we open ourselves to this call, so that the steadfast love of God may renew and enrich our lives.
Peace be with you!
Prayer
We implore your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that as the feast of our salvation draws ever closer, so we may press forward all the more eagerly towards the worthy celebration of the paschal mystery. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
Thought for Today
“Obedience is the mother of all virtues, and through it the commandments of God become sweet to the soul.”
- St. Augustine of Hippo
Lenten Commitment
Today, I will consciously obey God’s voice by choosing His will over my personal comfort, and by listening attentively to His word in prayer and Scripture.
© ARCHIVE 12032026
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