THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
The Word: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17: 5)
Mystery of the day: Luminous
Table of the Word: I R.:Jeremiah 17:5-10
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2.3.4 and 6 (R. Psalm 40:5ab)
Verse before the Gospel: Luke 8:15
Gospel: Matthew 16:19-31
Theme: Trust.
Inspiration:The term “trust” and “faith” are similar in usage and they can be used interchangeably depending on the context.In the general parlance the term denotes “a firm belief in the reliability, truth or ability of someone or something.”
Biblically, when it comes to trusting in God, it means believing His reliability, words, ability and power. That is why the scripture says:“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jer. 17: 5) Trusting in mere mortals is conditional and temporal, it does not hold water. But those who put their trust in God are like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken. The book of proverbs reiterated the need to trust in God saying: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5)
Our Lord Jesus on the other hand called us to a life of faith saying: “Have faith in God… I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mk. 11:22.24) There is nothing absolutely impossible for a Godly trusting heart; as God is ever ready and always disposed to salvage our situation provided we trust in Him. It was out of this that He sent His only begotten Son that as many who will trust in Him, will not perish but have life eternal. (cf. Jn. 3:16).
In affirmation to this promise He said:"I the LORD search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jer. 17:10). God knows it all; our thoughts, cares, worries and aspirations are before Him. They will all be fulfilled only if they are for our good and for the glory of God. Let us move with trust in Him; as He knows better than we do. Indeed, "God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom." (cf. 1 Cor. 1:25). However, as His attribute as "omniscience" is incomparable,then"Why worry?"
Consequently, we have to make sincere effort to be blameless before God and place our trust in Him as the psalmist reechoed today; in doing this, our petitions and heart desires will be granted.
We have to put in our best in our day-to-day living, make sincere effort and above all trust in God. He will never put us to shame. He will do more than we expected, as He remains: “a can do God.”Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.”
- St. Alphonsus Liguori
Let us pray
Abide with us, O Lord, who implore the help of your grace, that we may receive from you the support and guidance of your protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© ARCHIVE 20032025
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