With Lent not weeks but only seventy-two hours ahead, the first reading from today's liturgy offers serious thoughts for a cold, snow laden morning. What we have before us is Jeremiah's recollection of Yahweh's message to him. Two words stand out: "Cursed" and "Blessed." Yahweh warns the people that a person who all his/her stock in human beings and turns away from God will be "cursed." Is it a surprise? When people, power and possessions become the gods in one's life, sooner or later, the absence of the Source of one's purpose or intention in this world allows these negative distractions to take complete control over one's life. Consequently the person's life, the person's view of "things," becomes "cursed."
We have, unfortunately, stood as shocked and disappointed witnesses of a prominent, talented and most generous individual find his "hidden life" to become public. This man has been "cursed" by an uncontrollable power, an inordinate attachment to a secret life of sexual promiscuity.
Likewise, we have encountered people who are "blessed." They are likened to a tree planted along side a stream. Its roots seek out and achieve the goal -- reach the waters. It is challenged by the heat of the day but its leaves do not fade. In a drought, it is not fruitless. This is the "blessed" person. This is the person who may encounter challenges that could bring about a failure. Yet this person does not abandon the Source, the Creator who sent them into this world.
In the gospel we read about the person who encounters poverty, hunger, sadness or insult. But they are not overcome by these. They clearly teach us the it is a loving, creating God who has empowered them to overcome the challenges. God is never put out of their lives. Joy and blessings are the rewards for this fidelity, this loyalty.
So, Lent soon begins and we might make it at least one aspect of our introspection that will take place during the forty days of Lent. It is not easy to be "blessed." If we keep our eyes and intention on the goal, our God, we will become "blessed."
