As a priest confessor I am humbled by those who come and admit that at times they lost their way, their hearts had hardened, that they had closed their eyes and shut their ears to the ways of the Lord. It is difficult to confess these things, especially knowing, as we heard again today, that walking in the ways of the Lord is to our advantage and will lead us to prosperity.
Some among us might think that this would be the time for me to pick up on the themes of both readings today and bemoan the reality of how God continues to be rejected not only by the people of the Old Testament but also by the new; or seek to interpret the gospel passage which had some people thinking that the actions of Jesus were inspired more by the devil that God.
Not so. I will do neither instead I will focus on the sinner who comes to have his or her heart massaged by the grace of God. We know from personal experience that our hearts can sometimes become hardened. The wisdom of our church and tradition has given us this sacred time of Lent lest we like others who God has spoken to, do not listen.
Lent is a time for us to listen. God has asked us to listen to his voice. God has asked us to walk in his ways. Lent is an ideal time to take a closer walk with him.
I think we can agree that it is easy to fall away from God’s words. Scriptures past and present have demonstrated this. The prophets railed against it. We heard many instances of this happening as the New Testament writings were opened for us. People fell victim to fake news then and it is still happening; thus, the caution on this Thursday of the third week of Lent: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
In the remaining days of lent let us resolve to renew the covenant we have with God, to recall his words that he would be our God if we would be his people. During these remaining days of Lent let us resolve to cast out any demons by the grace of God recalling that ahead is the light of the resurrection that will allow us to prosper, to stand strong and tall as witnesses of Jesus Christ today.
