Thursday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

What is “hardening our hearts” if not a willful softening of our resolution to follow Christ? If we read the Bible carefully, as the author of the letter to the Hebrews had, we will see this theme of hardening and resistance appear over and over again. Apparently human beings are very stubborn when it comes to doing God’s will. It is far easier to sit on the couch and watch TV than to rise before dawn for yet another workout. But rising early is exactly what is required. According to Hebrews, we need to choose that workout daily, because this is what is required of “disciples of Christ.” This ambition is captured in today’s psalm response: “if today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Every day requires a new choice to remain faithful to the gospel.