Thursday of the Third Week of Lent ‘c’

Luke 11:14-23

We all have heard this expression: ‘you cannot please everybody’. There is so much truth in that. Whatever you do, thinking that people will be happy with the decision you are making, there will still be those who will end up being disappointed, complaining, or even being angry. Those of you who hold a public office, or have your own business, or are leaders of a group of people - know this very well. I learned it too, while being a pastor. I have to make certain decisions for the parish and our parishioners, but then I hear from some that it was a good decision, but at the same time others will criticize me for it. Even Jesus experienced that during His earthly ministry. Jesus, the Son of God, never made a bad decision; Jesus never sinned. Jesus loved everybody and the well-being of another person was always his priority. But there were always those who criticized Him or accused Him of wrongdoing. Just like in the gospel reading today, when Jesus helped that poor person and freed him from a demon who was mute. Such a joy! A great miracle! However, some of them said: “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” No, we can’t make everybody happy; it’s impossible. But that should never stop us from performing good deeds for others.