The readings for February 16th invite us to reflect on the nature of trust, either in God or worldly things. The first reading from Jeremiah vividly illustrates the contrasts between those who place their confidence in human strength and those who trust in the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” —Jeremiah 17:5. In contrast, the Prophet evokes the image of one who trusts in the Lord is likened to a tree planted by water, flourishing and bearing fruit even in times of drought. This powerful metaphor encourages us to root our lives in faith, drawing strength from God, who provides sustenance and hope. In the second reading, Paul emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection of Christ, arguing that if there is no resurrection, then our faith is in vain. Paul’s assertion stresses the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope, calling us to hold steadfastly to this hope. In the Gospel, Jesus presents the Beatitudes, a set of blessings that outline the attitudes and virtues that characterize Christian life and promise divine rewards for those who embody them. Jesus blesses the poor, the hungry, and those who are hated, insulted, and denounced while warning the rich and complacent. Christ instructs us to embody His love in our daily interactions.
The readings call us to examine our own lives and where our trust is placed. Our endeavors to rely on God and trust His words can be countercultural, especially in our society and world. Practical ways to embody these teachings include acts of charity, seeking justice for the marginalized, caring for refugees, and fostering a spirit of forgiveness. As funding to Catholic Relief Services and non-governmental relief organizations face sweeping freezes, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), offered the following, “Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us.” Cardinal Michael Czerny, the head of the Vatican office responsible for migrants, the environment, and the church’s Caritas International charity, says, “What the Church teaches is very well summed up by Pope Francis, who says that our obligation, not only as Christians but as human beings, is to welcome people, to protect them, to promote them, and to integrate them.” Fr. James Martin, S.J., editor-at-large of America, a monthly Catholic magazine published by US Jesuits, wrote, “Caring for migrants and refugees is not optional for Catholics.” —americamagazine.org, January 27, 2025.
We are invited to deepen our faith and trust in God and live out the Beatitudes in daily life, efforts that require intentionality and courage. Trusting God and His teachings is an active engagement with our faith, a commitment to believe in His goodness and providence in every aspect of our lives so we can experience the peace and joy that comes from living in accordance with His will.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.