Thursday of the Second Week
of Lent
Jeremiah
17:5-10
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, today we reflect on the topic of Trust. It is defined as a firm belief in the truth and ability of someone. Trust is built on relationships. So Trust is that it must be earned and learned, it must be earned by the other person through his words and deeds and it is also learned over the years, does not occur instantly. As children we trust our parents, as we grow we learn to trust in others and sometimes we misplace it too because to be honest others can let us down intentionally or unintentionally.
The
readings provide us with in depth explanation and instructs us to be
careful. Prophet Jeremiah makes a distinction
between two kinds of people, on
one hand
A person who solely puts his trust
in others, his strength, and keeps God away. It is not wrong to trust others
and our strength but not at the cost of ignoring God. he is a kind of person
who immerses himself with material goods, overly self reliant, self confident
on his strength and feels entitled and too much trust on others might lead to
excuses, taking advantage of others.
When
there is this kind of unchecked trust, as the prophet Jeremiah tells “ He is like a barren bush, there is no life and prosperity; empty and void.
His life is measured by what he possesses, not what he is in relation to
himself, others and God. it may even lead to unfaithfulness, dishonesty, and
personal injury.
On
the other hand, the second person is one
who trusts and hopes in 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”.
We know God is loving and faithful, his message and promises are very clear. Therefore those who trust in God are not abandoned. Since he is in touch with the Lord and fixes his focus on God, come what may there is nothing to be afraid or distressed. He is not shaken by any situation, or feeling for the source of strength and sustenance is with him. Therefore trusting him means believing, accepting his words and promises; building a relationship with God.he is blessed with protection, provision and guidance and care.
In the Gospel too,
a
distinction is made between two people, Rich man and Lazarus. This
is a familiar story to all of us. The rich man was immersed in his riches, in
his comforts and totally immersed in himself ignoring the existence of another
person at his gate. His life was in his riches and his trust was in the ability
of his wealth.
Whereas
the poor man called Lazarus was hungry and sick, longing for scraps to fill his
stomach. These are two contrasting conditions.
God became sole hope and trust to Lazarus, so after his death he received the companionship of God whereas the rich man lost the presence of God.
Dear
friends, therefore let us decide which side we are on?
●
Do we
trust God or ignore God?
● Do we measure our life just by material wealth, status and power or measure by the riches our good relationship with God and others, a life of caring and sharing?
We
live in a world of extreme individualism, consumerism and hedonism. The word of
God today thus invites us to turn away from them and trust in God and Care for
one another.
