Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

At first glance today’s readings point to divisions and turmoil, much like what we see and experience in our communities, our nation, and our world today. Classic metaphors of evil in the reading from Jeremiah - “obeyed not” … “hardness of their evil hearts” … “will not listen … and …will not answer” -lead to Jeremiah’s conclusion that quite simply the people of God are not listening to God and “faithfulness” is nowhere to be found. There is no faith!

In the Gospel, Jesus warns against division and abandoning the Kingdom of God, noting that divided kingdoms “will be laid waste and house will fall against house.” People are divided, abandoning God by not listening and not acting properly, and seemingly seeking power outside of a relationship with God. The stories of centuries past in many ways are the stories of today.  

When spending time with Scriptures from ages ago, how do we meditate, pray, and reflect on a message for today? Let’s begin with the invitation from the Psalm Response. We’ve heard it so often that we may not give it a second thought: “If today you hear God’s voice harden not your hearts.” The first reading reminds us of God’s covenant: God is our God and we are God’s people. Jeremiah expands on this with the command: “LISTEN” (to God’s voice and) “WALK” (in God’s ways). To make it personal to each of us, let’s ask ourselves what God is saying to us.

Where is God today? Where do we find God’s voice and how do we hear it? How does God speak to our souls? Through all of creation? Through our spouses, our children, our siblings? What is God saying through our co-workers, clients, neighbors, friends, enemies? For doesn’t God live in all these people and places? Let’s listen, really listen. Then, do what it takes to “walk in God’s ways” so that all of humanity “may prosper.”

Steve Bogus started working with Catholic Charities in 1979 and never left. After working with four agencies and at the national office, he left full-time employment the end of November 2021. He continues to consult with CCUSA but is working hard to learn the retired part of being “semi-retired.”

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