Dear Parishioners,

Our liturgy today is centered on the theme of "Trust and Hope." In all three of our scripture readings today, we see a comparison between those who hope or trust themselves versus those who hope and trust in the Lord. While hope and trust do not mean the same thing, we know from life experience that it is nearly impossible to have one without the other; that is to hope without trusting someone or something or to trust without hope. It is also impossible for anyone to live without hope and trust in someone or God. The readings described those who hope and trust in God as wise, and those who trust in only themselves as foolish. In the first reading, Jeremiah used "curse", a very strong word for those who trust in human beings. In the Gospel, Jesus also used a strong word, "Woe", to those who think they can do well in life without God. In contrast, those who trust and hope in God are described as the "Blessed" who are wise enough to know that all they have comes from God their creator. Jesus is not just comparing the rich to the poor or those who trust in themselves versus those who trust and rely on God, but he is actually offering his disciples and all of us, the key to the source of true eternal happiness. Relying on God will always lead to eternal life and joy that lasts forever while relying on personal achievement without God leads to illusionary joy that does not last.