Liturgical Colour : Purple/Violet

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we heard about how Jesus cast out demons from a person who was mute, and yet some of the people accused Jesus of using a demon’s power in order to cast out another. That was indeed such a heinous and terrible accusation which was against the truth which Christ had revealed to the world through His actions and deeds.

It is pointed out to us that in our hearts we should not follow in the rebellion of the people of God, who were so adamant in their rebellious ways so as to fail to notice what they have to change about themselves and what they have to do right in their lives. They were so blinded by their human and worldly desires, by the prejudice, greed and pride in their hearts that they are unable to look beyond themselves, and they were indeed selfish, thinking only about satisfying their needs and wants above anything else.

They doubted because in their hearts they did not have the faith. Their faith is only apparent, superficial and without substance. The moment difficulties come, they would be swaying and unfaithful to their obedience to God. They were not able to comprehend the Lord’s actions because in their hearts they refused to believe in Christ, and they refused to allow the Lord to explain and speak in their hearts. They were too caught up in their worldly concerns and things so that they failed to see the truth in Christ.

This is also what many of us may suffer from, namely to succumb to our human wickedness and vulnerabilities. We do not realise that if we allow these to cloud our judgments, then we are opening ourselves to the influences of the devil, who is always trying to snatch us away from the loving hands and care of the Lord our God. That is truly the objective and aim of Satan, who are like wolves and predators trying to snatch us, the sheep of the flock of Christ.

And what we are doing is often the action of rebellious sheep, who refused to listen to the words and guidance of our shepherd, namely our Lord the Shepherd of all. We like to follow our own way and path, following our own volition and decision, thinking that we know the best way for us. But, it is our Shepherd who knows the best way for us, and we often ignore them. He tried to lead us on the right path, safe from danger and harm, but we, in our impatience and inability to listen, we walked as we like, and we were scattered when the times of trouble come.

All sheep who keep themselves close to their shepherd will not be lost when dangers or troubles came. It is just like people clinging to a strong anchor or a ship clinging to the same anchor when the waves and the storm come. Those with such strong anchor will not be lost when troubles come. They will be safe while those who did not cling to that anchor will be lost. Similarly therefore with those who have been wayward in their ways, they too shall be lost.

The Lord is our Shepherd, and He wants to lead and guide us into a life filled with much goodness and blessings. He showed us the path to grace and righteousness, but only if we have the humility and willingness to open up our hearts and listen to Him. We have to get rid of the obstacles in our hearts and minds which prevented us from appreciating the fullness of God’s love and care for us.

It is hence a homework which all of us should take heed of during this Lenten season. This is the great time for us to reevaluate our actions and our path in life. Let us all find a way to grow stronger in faith to Jesus our Lord and our Shepherd. Let us grow greater in our humility and in our desire to seek the Lord. Turn our hearts to Him and be genuinely converted and changed, so that we may in the end be found worthy and able to therefore receive the fullness of God’s promise of inheritance and blessings upon us.

May we always remember the words of Jesus in our hearts, that all those who do not cling themselves to Him will scatter and be destroyed. Let us cling to our Lord ever more as we continue to walk in this earthly life. God bless us all. Amen.