March 27, 2025

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Lectionary 240

Luke 11:14-23:

Meditation

People often like to hang quotes on their walls to remind themselves of some critical lesson they have learned. Now and then, we read one that makes us think. The one that comes to my mind could make me uncomfortable. It reads, "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." Suddenly, letting others worry about people experiencing homelessness makes me part of the cause of homelessness. Not raising my voice against drug abuse and racism makes me part of those problems.

At the close of the gospel passage, Jesus offers a similar mind teaser: "Whoever is not with me is against me." As God's people, his audience members were invited to join him and enter the Kingdom of God. They refused to do so. Jesus tells them they are part of the problem. They stand against him and scatter while he tries to gather them. Jesus offers us the same choice. By its nature, this choice should not be put off. Lent is a perfect time to become part of the solution.

Mary has left many tangible signs as testimony to her appearance at La Salette. She chose to shepherd children because her message was crucial. She knew the children would share it candidly, truthfully, and completely. She wore a crucifix to present her crucified divine Son before our eyes. She came not to focus attention on herself but rather on the Crucified and risen Lord.

The miraculous spring that has not stopped flowing since the apparition is a perpetual sign of her visit. A large basilica stands at that remote Alpine site. The La Salette religious community of brothers, priests, and sisters, now serving in twenty countries, was founded to proclaim the Beautiful Lady's message and attest to its enduring timeliness.