
A reflection on Jeremiah 17:5-8
Sunday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Year C)
©2022 by Gloria M. Chang
Thus says the Lord:
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,
who makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a barren bush in the wasteland
that enjoys no change of season,
But stands in lava beds in the wilderness,
a land, salty and uninhabited.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord;
the Lord will be their trust.
They are like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It does not fear heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still produces fruit.
What is the source of our strength in times of adversity? Mortals, riches, armies, achievements, and earthly power fade away, but the Lord Jesus Christ, risen and ascended, lives forever. In the bleakest, blackest darkness, a pinpoint of divine light conquers all.
“All flesh is grass, and all their loyalty
Isaiah 40:6, 8;
like the flower of the field…
but the word of our God stands forever.”
cf. 1 Peter 1:24-25