Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent
First reading Jeremiah 7:23-28
On this Thursday of the third week of Lent, the first reading from Jeremiah (7:23-28) presents a powerful call to self-examination and repentance. God’s lament over His people’s refusal to listen—despite His constant, patient calling—resonates deeply during this Lenten season. “They did not listen or pay attention; they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts.” These words confront us with the uncomfortable truth that we, too, can fall into the same pattern. Lent is a sacred time when we are invited to pause and reflect on the state of our hearts. How often do we close our ears to God’s voice, choosing instead to follow our own desires, our own plans, our own pride? How often do we let stubbornness harden our spirits, convincing ourselves that we know better than God? Turning our backs to Him may not always look dramatic—it often happens slowly, subtly, when we fail to pray, to listen, or to love. This season calls us to stop—stop listening to the noise of our selfish hearts, stop justifying our disobedience, and stop resisting the gentle correction of the Lord. God’s command remains the same: “Listen to My voice… and I will be your God, and you will be My people.” Lent is stopping to fall into the same sins by our stubborn behaviour.
Don Giorgio