Jeremiah 7:23-28 / Luke 11:14-23
The voice of a person is a very peculiar as well as a particular asset.
It is also a very fluid and versatile asset in the sense that unlike others parts of the body (or other assets) which retain a familiar and recognizable character, it is not like that with the voice.
Because the tone of the voice can be changed, the mood of the voice can be changed, and we can imitate the voice of another person if we want to. Yet our voice reveals what is in us.
In the gospel, Jesus cast out the devil from a man that had made him dumb. When the devil had gone out, the man spoke, and the people were amazed.
The people were amazed because when the man spoke, the people not only heard his voice but it was also a voice that had peace in it because evil had gone out of the man and his voice said it all.
Yet, this made some others say that Jesus cast out devils through the prince of devils. Their words were certainly scorching, and their voice was revealing how wicked they were.
The 1st reading also talked about the voice. It was God telling His people to listen to His voice. And His was a voice that spoke of forgiveness and peace.
Yet in the end, the people would not listen to the voice of their God nor take correction.
To be able to listen to the voice of God, we have to soften our hearts with humility and repentance.
When we are able to listen to the voice of God, then we too will be able to speak with the voice of God.
And it will be a voice that speaks of peace and forgiveness. It will be a voice that speaks of love and truth. And it will also be a humble voice that turns people to God.