trust fund
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord." —Jeremiah 17:7
If we trust in the Lord, we are blessed. If we trust in ourselves, others, or anything else, we are cursed (Jer 17:5). The one who is cursed "is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth" (Jer 17:6). For example, the rich man in today's Gospel reading trusted in himself, his wealth, and his pleasurable lifestyle. Thus, he cursed himself forever and was "tortured in these flames" (Lk 16:24).
Trusting in the Lord is the meaning of life. Therefore, "trust in the Lord and do good" (Ps 37:3). "Commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act" (Ps 37:5). "Trust in Him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before Him" (Ps 62:9). "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not" (Prv 3:5).
Ironically, the meaning of life is expressed on the currency of the U.S.A. by the motto, "In God we trust." Beginning this Lent, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you that when you use money, pray for an ever greater trust in the Lord. When you pay in cash, pray to trust in the Lord.
Prayer: Father, lead me to a new level of trust in You.
Promise: "More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart." —Jer 17:9-10
Praise: Tina and Mike trusted that God would provide for their financial needs when she became pregnant. They decided that she would not go back to work after the birth. Then Mike unexpectedly received a big promotion at work.
Reference: (The Discipleship Retreats offer a time to be immersed in God's love through His Word and the Sacraments. The series begins with Living Our Vocation to Love, April 25-27. Other retreats are: Living with Christ in Community, April 28-30; Growing through the Charisms of the Holy Spirit, Apr. 30-May 2; and Receiving the Living Christ in the Sacraments, May 2-4. Call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 1, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 7, 2002