March 24, 2022
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings for Today
Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Luke 11:14
What hinders you from speaking the Word of God openly, honestly and clearly? There are so many people who are in dire need of the Gospel. There are so many people who are confused in life and find themselves walking down the wrong road, a road leading to greater confusion and destruction. And we remain silent as they travel this road. Why?
The Gospel above speaks of a man who was mute as a result of a demon. When this demon was driven out by Jesus, the mute man spoke and many were amazed. Most likely this man was fully possessed by this demon and the oppression he experienced disabled his ability to even speak. Upon his release from this demonic influence, he spoke freely.
Though we may not experience demonic influence to the same degree, we are often hindered and oppressed by similar mute spirits. The evil one often tries to influence us in such a way that we are fearful of proclaiming the Gospel freely, sincerely and immediately to those who are in most need of the message God wants communicated to them. “Mute spirits” can often hinder us, confuse us or fill us with a certain fear when the opportunity arises to share our faith with another. Though it may be rare to fall completely into their power, we are often left influenced and hindered by them nonetheless.
Reflect, today, upon the reality of these vile spirits and their attempts to silence us, keeping us from speaking the message of truth that so many people need to hear. We ought not fear their influence. Jesus has complete power over all such spirits and will not hesitate to silence their influence over us if we let Him. He wants to free us to speak His message of love without reserve so that others will come to know Him and His perfect love. Let Him use you as one such instrument of truth and love.
Eternal Word of God, at times I am given over to fear when You call me to speak Your words of love to those in need. I feel as though I am muted in my speech, confused about what to say. Please free me, dear Lord, to be a holy instrument of Your Word and to confidently proclaim Your truth to those who are in much need. Jesus, I trust in You.
40 Days at the Foot of the Cross:
A Gaze of Love From the Heart of Our Blessed Mother
Reflection Twenty – The Innocence of the Lamb of God
(Thurs. of Third Week of Lent)
Scripture Meditations for Lent
Featured image above: Jesus Heals a Mute Possessed Man By James Tissot, via Brooklyn Museum
Two great books for Lent:
Lent and Easter Reflections
Updated for Lent & Easter 2022 with additional reflections and more detailed Table of Contents
Lent and Easter Reflections is one of four books that makes up the Catholic Daily Reflections Series. As a devotional it is a great resource for daily meditation and prayer offering reflections on the Gospel of the day in a practical, faithful and down-to-earth way. It is formatted in such a way that it can be used for any liturgical year, offering reflections on every Gospel option, including Sunday Years A, B & C, every daily Mass option and all Feasts and Solemnities. Allow the death and resurrection of Christ to transform your heart more fully this Lent and Easter! It is also available in paperback & eBook format!
40 Days at the Foot of the Cross:
A Gaze of Love from the Heart of Our Blessed Mother
Through this daily devotional you are invited to prayerfully ponder the mind and heart of our Blessed Mother as she endured the great suffering inflicted upon her own dear Son. Mother Mary faced the Cross of her Son with perfect faith, love and devotion. Her fidelity to her Son throughout His life was unwavering. As she stood before the Cross during those long three hours, that fidelity never ceased.
