Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Luke 11: 14-23
The Finger of God at Work

Today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on our faithfulness to the Lord. Faithfulness is not merely about attending Sunday Masses but about having an open heart that listens to God’s voice and follows His will. Pope Francis reminds us, “One cannot be with Jesus and be at a distance. Either you are with Jesus, or you are against Jesus; either you are faithful, or you are unfaithful.” When our hearts become closed and indifferent, we push God away and fail to recognise His presence in our lives.

Despite our weaknesses and moments of disobedience, God’s mercy is always available to us. Jesus assures us that while Satan may be strong, He is stronger and victory belongs to God, and His grace always triumphs over sin. As St. Paul writes, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). This promise fills us with hope and confidence.

Every moment of protection, healing, or unexpected help is a sign of God’s loving care. Nothing happens by chance in the life of a believer. The challenge is to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognising God’s presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.

Jesus experienced rejection. When He performed miracles, some accused Him of acting through the power of demons. First, one stops listening to God, then begins to discredit Him, and ultimately risks blaspheming the Holy Spirit — a rejection from which there is no return.

However, God’s mercy always leaves room for hope. Even when our hearts have become hard, God invites us to return to Him. He is ready to forgive, forget, and embrace us once more. Let us ask for the grace to open our hearts, to see the finger of God at work in our lives, and to respond with faith and thanksgiving.

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