In this reflection for the Thursday of the 3rd week in Lent, we confront a difficult but necessary truth found in the book of Jeremiah. God tells the prophet that His people are not listening—that we are a stiff-necked people who struggle to accept correction. It is easy to think of this as a problem of the past or a fault of "other" people, but the Lenten season invites us to ask: Is something broken in the "whole" of our church today?
Join Br. Joe as he explores the communal aspect of penance. Discover why we take up practices like fasting and abstinence together, not just for personal discipline, but to heal the collective body of Christ. Despite our stubbornness, God is rich in mercy and never stops calling us back to renewal.
**Key Takeaways:**
* Understanding the "collective" brokenness of the faithful.
* Why God sent prophets even when He knew people wouldn't listen.
* How Lenten practices unite us in healing and repentance.
* Finding hope in God’s persistent mercy.
**Timeline:**
* 00:00 - Introduction: Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent
* 00:15 - Jeremiah’s Difficult Message: A People Who Do Not Listen
* 00:48 - The "We" Problem: Collective Sinfulness
* 01:41 - Why We Do Penance Together (Lenten Practices)
* 02:37 - Invitation to Personal Transformation
* 03:08 - The Hope: God's Relentless Pursuit of Us
**Readings for Today:**
Jeremiah 7:23-28 | Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 | Luke 11:14-23
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