The Cursed and the Blessed

 LECTIO:

Jer 17:5-8

Thus says the LORD:
            Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings,
                        who seeks his strength in flesh,
                        whose heart turns away from the LORD.
            He 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.
            Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
                        whose hope is the LORD.
            He is like a tree planted beside the waters
                        that stretches out its roots to the stream:
            it fears not the heat when it comes;
                        its leaves stay green;
            in the year of drought it shows no distress,
                        but still bears fruit.

STUDIUM:

The people continue to sin, even though they had the prophets and laws.  The people of Judah were worshipping false gods and their military strength and alliances instead of God.  Jerimiah says our human hearts are deceitful.  Those who trust in the true God will prosper and those who leave God will be cursed.

MEDITATIO:

Why do we humans continue to sin even though we know the eternal consequences?  We claim to love God.  Well, we are human; we get tired and lax.  Our spirits are willing but our flesh is weak.  The only resource we have is prayer.

ORATIO:

Lord, give me strength to do Your Will.  Help to never offend You.  I ask for help to resist temptation.

CONTEMPLATIO:

Doesn't Jesus offer hope?  People don't.  Does it matter who is president or pope?  God is KING.  

RESOLUTIO:

Don't forget your mantra: All is passing; only God abides.