Jeremiah 7:23-28 / Luke 11:14-23
Phrases like these are heart-warming and encouraging:
I will be here for you, or, I will journey with you no matter what, or, I want to grow old with you.
Such phrases are usually used between good friends and loving couples.
When we use such phrases, we want to mean what we say and say what we mean.
But humans are only humans, with fragility, weaknesses and failings.
Even with all good intentions, we may not be able to completely fulfill what we say.
But where and when we fail, we need to come to this realization.
God will not fail us. And when we follow His ways, He will fulfil His Word to us.
But the 1st reading also tells us that the people did not want to follow God’s ways.
They want to have it their way, only to fail over and over again.
So, that is why God says this of them:
Here is the nation that will not listen to the voice of the Lord its God, nor take correction. Sincerity is no more, it has vanished from their mouths.
In the gospel, Jesus says it plainly: He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.
Let us pledge our obedience and faithfulness to Jesus and may He help us to keep our word to Him.
And when we fall and fail, let us remember that Jesus will still fulfil His promise to us that He will help and save us.