Luke 11:14–23 CHOOSING CHRIST EACH DAY

Year A, Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

In today’s Gospel, Jesus drives out a demon, and the people are amazed. Yet instead of recognizing the power of God at work, some begin to accuse Him. They claim He casts out demons by the power of evil. Jesus responds calmly but firmly. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Then He says something very direct: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

These words remind us that faith cannot remain neutral. In our daily lives, we often try to stay in the middle — not fully rejecting God, but not fully committing either. We tell ourselves that being “good enough” is sufficient.

But Jesus invites us to something deeper. Following Him means making a daily choice — choosing honesty over convenience, kindness over indifference, forgiveness over resentment, faith over fear.

Lent is precisely this time of choosing again. Every day we face small decisions that shape our hearts. Will we allow negativity to control us, or will we choose patience? Will we remain distant from prayer, or will we open our hearts to God?

The spiritual life is not only about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about actively gathering with Christ — building goodness, hope, and love wherever we are. When we choose Christ, even in the small moments of everyday life, we strengthen the good within us. Slowly our lives begin to reflect His light.

Question to Ponder: In the ordinary decisions of my day, am I choosing what brings me closer to Christ or what quietly pulls me away?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo