27 March 2025 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent (Homily/sermon)



Listen to God’s Voice – Do Not Harden Your Heart

Lent is a time to pause and listen to God’s voice. But the question is: Are we listening? Or do we, like the Israelites, harden our hearts and follow our own ways? Today, we are reminded that true faith is not just hearing God’s Word—it is obeying it.

A man was praying: "Lord, speak to me!" Just then, his phone rang, and he ignored it. Then someone knocked on the door, but he didn’t answer. Later, he complained, "God, why don’t You speak to me?"

Sometimes, God is speaking, but we refuse to listen. He speaks through His Word, through others, and through life’s experiences.

  • Jeremiah 7:23-28 – God pleads with Israel: "Obey my voice, and I will be your God." But instead of listening, they turned away and followed their own stubborn desires. This passage challenges us: Are we truly listening to God, or are we choosing our own path?

  • Psalm 95 – A call to worship and obedience. The psalm warns us: "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts."

  • Luke 11:14-23 – Jesus drives out a demon, but some accuse Him of working with the devil. Instead of recognising His power, they resist Him. Jesus warns, "Whoever is not with me is against me." There is no neutral ground in faith—we are either following Jesus or resisting Him.

The Eucharist is God’s living voice speaking to us. When we receive Christ, we are invited to open our hearts, listen, and follow Him.

Question for Reflection

Am I truly listening to God, or do I only hear what I want to hear?

Daily Practical Application

  • Make time for silence – In prayer, listen more than you speak.

  • Obey God’s promptings – When you feel a call to do good, act on it.

  • Examine your heart – Ask, "Where am I resisting God in my life?"

If you are struggling, trust that God is speaking even in the silence. He has not forgotten you—open your heart, and He will guide you.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Deepen my prayer life – Spend time listening to God daily.

  • Reconcile broken relationships – Do not harden your heart towards others.

  • Be a witness – Live in a way that encourages others to listen to God.

As Pilgrims of Hope preparing for Jubilee 2025, let us listen to God’s voice and respond with faith and action.

God is always speaking—but are we truly listening? May this Lent help us to open our hearts, obey His voice, and walk in His ways.

Lord, help me to listen to Your voice and to follow You with a willing heart. Teach me not to resist Your guidance but to trust in Your ways. Amen.

In our culture, we say "umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" (a person is a person through others). Faith is not just personal—it must be lived out in how we listen, obey, and love others.

Inspiration Quote

"God is always speaking—the question is, are we truly listening?"

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