Daily Readings - Thu Mar 17 2022
Jeremiah
5Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.6For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.7Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Luke
19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Sermon
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on trust, accountability, and our relationship with God and others. In Jeremiah, we hear a stark contrast: those who trust in humans are like barren shrubs, while those who trust in God are like trees by water, thriving even in drought. This was a message to the Israelites to rely on God rather than alliances, a lesson that resonates today. In Luke’s parable, Jesus tells of a rich man who ignored Lazarus at his gate, leading to torment after death, while Lazarus found peace. This parable emphasizes ethical responsibility and the consequences of neglecting the poor.
Both readings relate through themes of trust and accountability. Jeremiah underscores trusting God over human strength, while Luke’s parable shows the consequences of not living according to God’s will, especially in treating the poor. Together, they remind us that our actions have eternal implications and that true faith is lived through compassion and justice.
In our daily lives, we are called to prioritize trust in God and live with mercy. Let us examine our actions and ensure they reflect our faith, caring for those in need and heeding God’s teachings. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God and live out that trust through acts of love and justice, ensuring we build a life rooted in faith and compassion.