First Reading

Reading from the book of Jeremiah 

Jeremiah 7:23-28

Thus says the Lord: «This is the command I gave to my people: ‘Listen to my voice, and I will be your God and you will be my people; walk always in the way I show you, so that you may prosper.’

But they did not listen or pay attention. They walked according to their own ideas, according to the wickedness of their stubborn hearts, and instead of facing me, they turned their backs on me, from the time their ancestors left the land of Egypt until today.

I sent my servants the prophets to them, day after day; but they did not listen to them or pay attention. They stiffened their necks and were worse than their ancestors. You will therefore tell them all these words, but they will not listen to you; you will call to them, but they will not answer you. Then you will tell them: ‘This is the people that did not listen to the voice of the Lord, their God, nor accept correction. Fidelity no longer exists in Israel; it has vanished from their very mouths’ «.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Luke

Luke 11:14-23

At that time, Jesus cast out a demon that was mute. As soon as the demon left, the mute man spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, «He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.» Others, to test him, were demanding of him a sign from heaven.

But Jesus, knowing their evil intentions, said to them: «Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall upon house. If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? You say I drive out demons by Beelzebul. Then by whom do your people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his courtyard, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which he trusted and divides the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.»