Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:7). Familiar with this message from the prophet Jeremiah, I typically reflect on it from the perspective that my hope and trust should be in the Lord. This is true, but today I noted that the futurist of his times, Jeremiah, is saying that hope and trust actually is the Lord. We know from St. John that “God is Love” (1 John 4:8) but consider literally equating God with hope or trust itself. When we really trust that God is doing what needs to be done for and with us, we experience Him more intimately; we let Him in, we feel our oneness with Him.
Trust in the Goodness of the Lord
This past week, a group of my students and I have been immersing in the business and environmental culture of Belize with one of our fellow Jesuit schools, St. John’s College. My second trip here, I was anxious to introduce the students to the people at the Valley of Peace, a community that started as refugee resettlement founded by a few families escaping civil war in El Salvador in the 80’s. With inspiring hope in the goodness of the Lord, coupled with perseverance, immense trust, and a little help from the Church, the Mennonites, and UNHCR, today they thrive as a community of peaceful and gratuitous farmers and believers.
Talk about hope and trust! What we might consider an impoverished community, they see as a blessing and hopeful opportunity for freedom from persecution and violence. Today, former gang members come to Valley of Peace to escape the same violence and oppression that plagued their country in the 80’s. These same issues simply have a different face. The evil one often works through the wealthiest and worldliest to persecute those who reflect God and his loving grace.
Today the psalmist reminds us of the benefits of hoping in the Lord. We will yield our fruit in due season, and whatever we do will prosper (Ps. 1:3). In what ways does the Lord see you hoping and trusting in His goodness? Express your gratitude to Him. Today, as we celebrate the feast of St. Patrick, take time to express your appreciation for the Irish Catholic traditions and celebrate your hope in this Lenten season.
A Great Chasm
Grateful that I have been generously blessed with a good education, a fruitful career, and many incredible travel experiences, I still fall into thinking I need more. Western culture consumerism and competitiveness is so engrained in our poor day to day routine that it takes years to change our behaviors. But we can change our attitudes. Next time one of your non-believing friends or relatives scores big with a promotion, pay increase, inheritance, etc., take a moment to reflect on today’s Gospel message.
The unbelieving suffering soul wants Abraham to help warn his unbelieving loved ones of their impending fate, yet Abraham reminds him “My child, remember that you received what was good in your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented” (Luke 16:25). He goes on to clarify that a “great chasm is established” (Luke 16:26) between trusting, hopeful believers and those who did not accept all that God offers during our earthy lives. Consider the times during this Lenten season when you may have tried to cross that chasm. Close your eyes and reflect on looking down into that great chasm. What or who do you see? Feel your feet clinging to the edge. Take a step backward onto your solid foundation of trust and hope in the Lord. Find comfort in His loving embrace. You are right where He wants you to be. You are in His arms, He is your hope, trust Him.
