First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?
I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds. (Jer. 17:5-10)
He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?
I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds. (Jer. 17:5-10)
Today, let us reflect on the words of the prophet Jeremiah. While these words were spoken to Israel, they still speak loudly to us today. We face a great number of threats to life, human dignity, and our faith. This is certainly a time when it can become easy to try and save ourselves or abandon our faith because we think that God is not listening to us. Brothers and Sisters, God is here, and He always has been. God knows what's in our hearts; is it full of trust, or has it turned away? Are our hearts full of bitterness, hatred, lust, contempt, judgement, and other evils; or are our hearts open to God, ready to be filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, increase our faith so that we may trust in you with all of our hearts. Lord, fill our hearts with things that are of you and things that seek to do good. Lord, help us to serve you, and only you this day and all days. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Yes, indeed. It is so difficult to be full of hope in these trying times. But we must stay strong. Pray to keep the faith and the hope! Never falter! Our nation and world leaders need our prayers now more than ever. I can't remember where I read this but it stuck with me. I'm paraphrasing: "Here's a reason to keep hope alive: We've read the "book" (Revelation). We know who wins!"
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