This is the nation which does not listen

to the voice of the LORD, its God,
or take correction.

Faithfulness has disappeared;
the word itself is banished from their speech.

This passage from today’s first reading (Jer. 7:28) should really hit home.

We should let these words sink into our hearts and let them challenge us.

We should not try to diminish their effect
by restricting them to their original historical context
or to our own political or social viewpoints.

Let these words challenge you - they certainly challenge me - to listen better, take correction better, and be faithful evermore.