Thursday - 3rd Week of Lent

Gospel – Luke 11:14-23

Are You With Me?

Caiaphas’ House, Jerusalem

Are you with me? 

It sounds like a spirited speech from the coach for the Lady Vols during college basketball’s March Madness!  Or maybe a rallying cry to the crowds in Les Miserables!  Or maybe it’s the whispered words of an older brother as he plots in secret with his siblings to raid the cookie jar!  But in today’s Gospel, Jesus expressed similar words to the crowds – you are either with me or against me!  It’s a challenge to choose a side, a question of faith or denial!

We all know from experience that we sometimes falter in our response!  Sometimes we don’t always listen to God.  We don’t always follow His commands!  We act selfishly and decide to cater to the whims of the world or our own desires.  The very act of Jesus driving out the demon from the mute is an announcement that the Kingdom is here, right here, right now.  And it’s time for the people to choose – with me or not!

But this is not a once in a lifetime offer!  Jesus asks us this question every day.  In His love and compassion, the offer is constant and reassuring!  Do we answer Him?  How?  Do we ignore Him?  Notice that there are no half-baked, in-between answers available.  It is plain and simple, either/or!  Yes or No!  Are you with Me?

One side thought!  Have you ever noticed that this is the same question we ask Jesus when we are hit hard with the cares and worries of the world, when we face loss or disease or separation or doubt.  Even when we seem to be floating on a sea of troubles, we all ask that same question.  Are you there?  Are you with me, Jesus?  And His answer?  A resounding, constant, and loving YES

 

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