Daily Mass Readings – Thursday, 23 March 2028

23 But this thing I commanded them, saying: Hearken to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people: and walk ye in all the way that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.

24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear: but walked in their own will, and in the perversity of their wicked heart: and went backward and not forward,

25 From the day that their fathers came out of the land of Egypt, even to this day. And I have sent to you all my servants the prophets from day to day, rising up early and sending.

26 And they have not hearkened to me: nor inclined their ear: but have hardened their neck, and have done worse than their fathers.

27 And thou shalt speak to them all these words, but they will not hearken to thee: and thou shalt call them, but they will not answer thee.

28 And thou shalt say to them: This is a nation which hath not hearkened to the voice of the Lord their God, nor received instruction: Faith is lost, and is carried away out of their mouth.

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

1 Come let us praise the Lord with joy: let us joyfully sing to God our saviour.

2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

6 Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us.

7 For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts:

9 As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness: where your fathers tempted me, they proved me, and saw my works.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

12-13 Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful.

14 And he was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb: and when he had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke: and the multitudes were in admiration at it:

15 But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils.

16 And others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven.

17 But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall.

18 And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Beelzebub I cast out devils.

19 Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub; by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.

20 But if I by the finger of God cast out devils; doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you.

21 When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth.

22 But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him; he will take away all his armour wherein he trusted, and will distribute his spoils.

23 He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.

God does not leave his people without guidance. He speaks, sends his servants, and continually calls them back because he is gracious and merciful. Yet the first reading describes the tragedy of refusing that voice: hearts become hardened, faith disappears from speech, and the people walk backward in their own will. The psalm gives us the simple response: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Today matters because God’s grace is offered in the present moment.

In the Gospel, Jesus reveals that his power is the finger of God at work. He is stronger than the one who holds people captive, and his coming brings the kingdom of God near. His works demand a response. There is no safe neutrality: whoever is not with him scatters. To hear Christ, then, means allowing him to gather what is divided within us and to free us from whatever claims authority over our lives. We can begin with an honest act of obedience—a command we have avoided, a word of forgiveness, or a return to prayer. A softened heart does not wait for a perfect sign; it recognizes the Lord’s voice and follows.

Merciful God, open my ears to your voice and keep my heart from becoming hard. When I am tempted to follow my own will, give me the humility to receive your instruction. Jesus, stronger than every power that enslaves, enter the divided places within me and establish your kingdom there. Gather my thoughts, desires, and choices around your truth. Help me respond to your grace today with real obedience, trusting that your commands lead to life. Make my words and actions faithful to you, so that I may walk with you and not scatter. Amen.