Readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28, Ps. 95:1-2,6-9, Luke 11:14-23
“This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.” (Jeremiah 7:28)
- A “hardened heart” is a metaphor for someone who bluntly refuses to convert (change, repent or adjust) despite repeatedly hearing God’s Word. This person knows God but does not believe God should dictate the course of their lives. Hardness of heart manifests as immediate forgetfulness of God’s word. (This was the situation of the Israelites in the days of Jeremiah.) It could also be a form of demonic possession (as we see in today’s Gospel passage). Signs of a hardened heart include:
1. Telling of Lies: It is the devil’s nature to deceive, distort and misrepresent the truth. One way to detect the hardness of the heart is our refusal (or inability) to tell the truth. If we are God’s children (brothers and sisters of Christ – the Way, the Truth and the Life), we must be truthful. “Say the truth and shame the devil.”
2. Lack of Self-Discipline: “But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backwards and not forward.” Do you desire to move forward? Practice self-discipline. “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable… I pommel my body and subdue it.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)
3. Demanding for Signs to Believe: When we chase after signs and wonders (as if we want God to prove himself continuously), our hearts have become hardened. Jesus’ audience saw him cast out a demon from a mute man, yet they wanted a sign from heaven. Was the healing of the mute man not an adequate sign? The problem with having a hardened heart is not the absence of signs and wonders but our refusal to notice the abundance of signs and wonders around us. You say “God has not done anything for me”; meanwhile, if not for God, you would not even be able to speak.
4. Fearing the Devil More Than God: Those who accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub did so because they felt Jesus had no power. Some Christians are quick to ascribe misfortunes to the devil but find it difficult to praise God when good things happen. Jesus described the devil as a strong man but made it clear that He is stronger: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted, and divides his spoil.” (Luke 11:21-22). If you are more scared of the devil than God, your heart is hardened.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, break our stony hearts that our faith may increase. Teach us to be self-disciplined and practice your Word. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Jeremiah 7:23-28, Ps. 95:1-2,6-9, Luke 11:14-23).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu