Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent

Some people who witnessed Jesus driving out a demon from a mute man thought that he did it through Satan's power instead of acknowledging that it was God's power at work in Jesus. This was a severe misjudgment. Jesus responded by proclaiming that it was through the power of God that he healed people. Sometimes, we are blind to the working of God among us, especially when he is working through those with whom we don't always agree.

God often graces us in many ways, but we fail to notice it. Instead of focusing on what we don't have or what's wrong in our lives, we should recognize and give thanks for the blessings that God has bestowed upon us.

We should pray for the gift of seeing as Jesus sees. Jesus saw the working of God in Creation, the sower, the vineyard, the flowers of the field, and the birds of the air. He saw God's presence in those others had written off because of their imperfections and faults. Jesus teaches us to see with eyes of generosity, hope, and mercy. When we do so, we will be inspired to give thanks in all circumstances, as St. Paul said.