Day 32: Muting the World: Confronting the Inner Pharisee
March 21
by Norma Flores Lovett
Readings:
Reflection:
Listening to God is not easy. It requires me to silence the noise in my own head and be still. This is what Jeremiah trained himself to do. Jeremiah did the hard part of being uncomfortable and speaking God’s truth even when it was difficult, dangerous, and detrimental to his own well-being. His people did not want to hear about their disobedience or idolatry, yet Jeremiah heard God and obeyed. God rewarded Jeremiah’s obedience by speaking to him. Jeremiah was warned by God that men from his own town of Anathoth were plotting to kill him because of these prophecies. This is Jeremiah’s prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus’ inevitable suffering and rejection by his own people.
During Lent, Jeremiah 11:18–20 relates to silence and solitude by pointing out the contrast between the world's "noisy" plots and our soul’s quiet trust in God. Withdrawing into prayer is like hitting the mute button on the world so you can actually hear what God is trying to tell you.
In John 7:40-53, we see that the people were divided in their belief in Jesus and who he truly was. There was fear, confusion, hatred, and accusations among the crowds. This part of Lent challenges me to examine my own " inner Pharisee"—the parts of my heart that are judgmental, self-righteous, critical, or closed off to God's truth because it doesn’t reflect who I think I am. I believe that silence and solitude will lead me down a path of discernment that I pray will transform me into the person God wants me to be.
Prayer:
Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you are my protector and my redeemer.
You fill my heart with joy and goodness.
You give me the gift of your Word.
You give me true friendships that seek to walk the path of light and truth with me.
Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus so that I could have a chance to be saved.
Thank you for not forsaking me when I lack faithfulness.
Only you are worthy of my devotion.
I am listening.
Help me to hear your voice.
Amen.
"
Song:
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