Three ways to know God's work

Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent

Luke 11:14-23

We know deep in our hearts that God is ready to forgive us and grant us new life.  But the readings reflect a close-minded disposition. In Jeremiah, the Lord concluded, “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.”  Meanwhile, in the gospel, Jesus was accused of being an instrument of Beelzebub, prince of demons.  But Jesus was able to explain aptly, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."  He also concluded, "‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.’"

There are three ways we can avoid such disorientation about God.

First, remember that God is a God or order and not of destruction.  Sin entered into the world and destroyed and continue to destroy what God has started.  Don't blame God for every misfortune.  Rather, turn to him what sin has destroyed.

Second, know Jesus as healer.  Only Jesus can take away the sins of the world.  Only Jesus heals.  Jesus brings to wholeness what sin and death tarnished.  Turn to Jesus for healing, forgiveness, and restoration and not vengeance.

Third, know whose side we are on.  If we claim we're on the side of Jesus it should reflect in our lives - uniting, forgiving, and healing.  Anything opposite to these are works of the evil one no matter how we think these to be correct.  Jesus will always restore wounded situations and relationships.