Daily Readings - Thu Mar 04 2021
Jeremiah
5Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.6He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.7"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.8He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?10"I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Luke
19"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.20And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,21who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.22The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,23and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.24And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'25But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'27And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house--28for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'29But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.'30And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'31He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound reflections on trust and compassion. The first reading from Jeremiah contrasts the fate of those who trust in human strength with those who place their faith in God. The prophet warns that reliance on human endeavors leads to a withered existence, while trust in God brings life and prosperity, much like a tree nourished by water. This serves as a reminder to examine where our trust truly lies.
The Gospel presents Jesus’ parable of Lazarus and the rich man, a stark lesson on the consequences of neglecting the poor. The rich man, indifferent to Lazarus’ suffering, finds himself in torment, while Lazarus is comforted. This parable underscores the importance of compassion and the eternal consequences of our actions. It challenges us to consider how we treat others, especially those in need.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our values and actions. Jeremiah emphasizes the necessity of trusting in God, while the parable highlights the moral imperative to care for the marginalized. Together, they call us to a life rooted in faith and compassion. Let us strive to trust in God’s providence and live with hearts open to serving others, ensuring that our actions reflect the love and justice of His kingdom.