First Reading - Jeremiah 17:5-10
Gospel - Luke 16:19-31
The first reading presents a striking contrast between two kinds of people: those who trust in themselves and those who trust in God. The one who relies solely on human strength and power is compared to a barren shrub in the wastelands—lifeless, isolated, and without hope. Such a person, cut off from God, becomes selfish, indifferent, and insensitive to others. On the other hand, the one who trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by the waterside, flourishing even in times of hardship. Trusting in God opens our hearts to His grace, enabling us to act with kindness, generosity, and love. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that God sees beyond appearances—He searches the heart and judges our actions accordingly.
The Gospel further illustrates this contrast through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man is not condemned for his wealth but for his lack of compassion and trust in God. He is blind to the suffering of Lazarus, who sits at his very gate, longing for scraps from his table. His trust is in his riches, not in God, and this blinds him to the needs of others. After death, the roles are reversed: Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man finds himself in torment. This is a sobering reminder that failing to trust in God often leads to self-centeredness, which distances us from both God and our neighbors.
Dear friends, in today’s world, with rapid advancements in technology and science, it is easy to fall into the trap of self-reliance, believing we have everything under control. But the readings remind us that without God, we are like the barren shrub—dry and lifeless. True security and fulfillment come from trusting in Him. When we trust in God, we develop hearts that are generous, loving, and sensitive to the needs of others. We become like the tree planted by the waterside, flourishing in faith and bearing fruit in good works.
The Bible is our guide, reminding us to rely on God. When we place our trust in Him, we will naturally grow in love, kindness, and generosity. But if we allow pride and self-sufficiency to take over, we risk becoming like the rich man—distant from God and blind to the needs of others.
Let us, therefore, examine our hearts. Do we trust in God, or do we rely only on ourselves? Do we allow our faith to shape our actions, or do we live only for ourselves?
Let us pray for the grace to deepen our trust in God, so that our lives may reflect His love and mercy. May we always be sensitive to the needs of others, knowing that in trusting God, we find true life.
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