During Lent, my wife and I have committed to abstaining from political content on social media. We have also agreed to avoid discussing politics altogether, whether to express support or opposition.
Today’s lectionary readings reinforce our decision to prioritize our relationships with God, family, and those close to us.
Today’s lectionary reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032025.cfm.
Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17 emphasize placing our trust in God, rather than in political leaders or their critics.
Reading 1 – Jeremiah 17:5-10
The prophets consistently appeal to their audiences to rely on God rather than human resources.
Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse— who can understand it?
I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. (Jeremiah 17:5, 7, 9-10)
Verse nine reminds us that our own hearts can be easily deceived. Therefore, it is crucial to remain close to God and rely fully on Him, ensuring we place our trust in Him rather than in any human source.
Verse ten assures us that God will reward us for this kind of faithful behavior.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
The first Psalm serves as an introduction to the entire Book of Psalms. It teaches that happiness and blessings come from turning away from those who mock and scorn.
However, we are blessed when we find our guidance and direction in the Law, which contains the teachings of the Lord.
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers,
but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
To embrace the wisdom of Psalm 1 and avoid the deception of our hearts, as warned in Jeremiah, we must actively integrate God’s guidance into our lives.
Dallas Willard suggests three essential components:
- Vision: We need a clear understanding of what this integration looks like in practice.
- Intention: We must move beyond mere contemplation and commit to taking concrete action.
- Means: We should identify and utilize tools and resources that facilitate the daily incorporation of God’s guidance.
Verse Before the Gospel – Luke 8:15
But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with endurance. (Luke 8:15).
Gospel – Luke 16:19-31
Jesus told a parable about a rich man who seemingly took the advice of the wicked, walked along the path of sinners, and even sat in the seat of scoffers. When he died, he was in torment.
Yet, the beggar Lazarus, who lived outside of his gate, was blessed in Abraham’s bosom.
The rich man pleaded with Father Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his brothers, urging them to change their lives and follow the guidance found in Psalm 1:2.
However, Father Abraham replied they already had enough information. They needed to act on what they already knew to be God’s will.
He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead'” (Luke 16:31).
Returning to the passage in Jeremiah, I’m reminded of my capacity for self-deception and the illusion of self-sufficiency.
The reality is, I must commit to wholehearted trust in God and reinforce that commitment by consistently meditating on His guidance throughout the day.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed how the twelve tribes of Israel came to be in Genesis 30.
Real Voices 