Roger, who was 19 years old, was buying an expensive bracelet, to surprise his girlfriend on Valentine's Day, at a very smart Jeweler’s shop.
The jeweler inquired, 'Would you like your girlfriend's name engraved on it?'
Roger thought for a moment, then answered, 'No, instead engrave "To my one and only love".'
The jeweller smiled and said, 'Yes, sir; how very romantic of you.'
Roger retorted with a glint in his eye, 'Not exactly romantic, but very practical. This way, if we break up, I can use it again.'In the first reading we encounter Prophet Jeremiah in his difficult times. Prophet Jeremiah served God as a prophet during the troubling final years of the kingdom. He was persistent in presenting the word of God to the people and to the royal household and was constantly rebuffed. The outcome of it is seen in the writing where the Babylon has won its victory and the royal persons are imprisoned. Jeremiah makes sufficient effort to motivate people in the right direction as we heard in today’s passage. This was the time when many believed that the best chance for survival they have is build a fresh alliance with Egypt. The prophet discourages this move and warns them that trusting in human persons is disastrous to the kingdom itself. He compares this bad policy to the barren bush in the desert. It is surrounded by salt and emptiness. The nations outside can never be a help. On the other hand trusting in God is something beneficial to them. The prophet compares this outcome to that of a tree that exists beside the steady water supply. Even in harsh conditions it will survive. Below the surface its root goes deep below into the source of water. That is what happens when one trusts in God.
Jeremiah contrasts the blighted state of those who trust in human devices with the blessed state of those who trust in the Lord. For the Israelites the images of running water, lush greenery and abundance of fruits express the blessings from God as they experienced it in the desert. The words of Jesus show how startling the Gospel message can be. In fact it is just the opposite of the wisdom pervading our consumer society. Woe, says Jesus to the rich, the satisfied, those financially secure and blessing to those poor, suffering and the hungry. How can this be real? On reflection we see that material satisfaction can isolate us but a lack of it can take us beyond ourselves. Our poverty, hunger sorrow can lead us to greater riches as it takes us close to the divine.
Here is the way of life Jesus proposes –
a) Love your enemies.
b) Do good to those who hate you.
c) Bless those who curse you.
d) Pray for those who mistreat you.
e) Give to everyone who asks.
f) Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
g) Lend without expecting anything back .
h) Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.
i) Stop judging.
j) Stop condemning.
k) Forgive and you will be forgiven.
l) Give and gifts will be given back to you.