3rd week in Lent, Thursday – 27th March 2025 – Jeremiah 7,23-28; Lk 11,14-23
Contrasting Witnesses
In the Gospel, we find three different reactions to Jesus’ exorcism. The first group accused Jesus of siding with the devil, with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This group rejected the manifestation of the power of God and attributed Jesus’ power to the devil. The second group tested Jesus, like the people of Israel in the desert, and demanded a heavenly sign. The third group was amazed by the exorcism and gathered around Jesus. This group has the fundamental traits of an apostle: they are with Jesus, spend time in His presence, and listen to His word. Of the three, the first two groups contrast with the third. They display their hardness of heart and rejection of God’s word.
