Jeremiah 17:5-10 / Luke 16:19-31 (2023)
As much as we know that wickedness and evil will certainly lead to a dreaded end, yet at times we wonder why wicked people and those who commit evil are not punished immediately.
If punishment is swift and sharp for those who commit evil and wicked deeds, then it would certainly be a deterrent against others who are thinking of doing likewise.
But such is not usually the case, and as such we might even be tempted to join in the wicked deeds although we may not be that bad as to commit evil deeds.
Wicked deeds like plotting and taking advantage of good and generous people.
Wicked deeds like slandering others and creating discord among others.
But by doing so, what are we saying about ourselves? What are we trusting in?
The 1st reading tells us that a curse be on the man who puts his trust in man, but a blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord.
The responsorial psalm tells us why. The man who puts his trust in the Lord is like a tree planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves shall never fade, and all that he does shall prosper.
Indeed, our faith in the Lord should open our eyes to the plight of the poor and those in need around us, whether financially or emotionally and to the Lazaruses that we see around us.
Let us put our trust in the Lord's blessings and walk in His ways, for He will give each man what his conduct and action deserves.