Mass Readings and Reflection of March 12th 2026

First Reading: (Jeremiah 7:23–28)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9)

“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”

Gospel: (Luke 11:14–23)

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus performs a miracle by casting out a demon that had made a man unable to speak. Once the demon is driven out, the man immediately begins to speak again. In a sense, two miracles occur: the liberation from the demon and the restoration of the man’s voice.

This moment reminds us of a line from the daily prayer of the Church: “Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.” Jesus frees the man so that he can once again speak, and ultimately so that he can praise God.

The healing is not simply about removing suffering; it is about restoring the person to his mission. God frees us not merely so that we can live however we want, but so that we can live fully as His children and proclaim His goodness.

Many of us may not experience dramatic demonic possession, yet we still struggle with things that limit our freedom: sin, bad habits, temptations, and attachments that pull us away from God. These are ways the evil one tries to bind us and silence our witness.

Just as Jesus freed the mute man, He desires to free us as well. He wants to heal us from whatever keeps us from living the life He calls us to live.

The season of Lent is a special time for this healing. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we allow Christ to loosen the hold that worldly attachments have on us. Fasting teaches us that the things of this world are not our ultimate goal. Prayer lifts our hearts toward God. Almsgiving sends us outward in love and service to others.

In this way, Lent becomes a path to freedom, a freedom that enables us to live our mission and proclaim the Gospel.

Today, as we celebrate the Eucharist, we should ask the Lord to set us free just as He freed the mute man. And we should remember why we ask for that freedom: so that our lives may proclaim the praise of God and so that we may do the good works He has prepared for us. Amen. 

God bless you