Mass Readings and Reflection Thursday March 5th 2026

First Reading: (Jeremiah 17:5–10)

The prophet warns that those who trust only in human strength are like a barren bush in the desert, while those who trust in the Lord are like a tree planted by water that remains fruitful even in hardship. God searches the human heart and repays each person according to their deeds.

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalms 1)

Blessed are those who delight in the law of the Lord; they are like trees planted beside flowing waters, bearing fruit in due season, while the wicked are like chaff scattered by the wind.

Gospel Acclamation

Turn back to the Lord with all your heart, for He is gracious and merciful, calling us to repentance and new life.

Gospel: (Luke 16:19–31)

Reflection

Today’s readings confront us with a very direct question: Where do we place our trust?

The prophet Jeremiah contrasts two ways of living. One person trusts only in human power, wealth, and status. That person may look successful for a while, but spiritually they become like a shrub in the desert, isolated, dry, and unable to bear fruit. The other person places their trust in the Lord. That person becomes like a tree planted by water, able to endure hardship and still remain alive and fruitful.

The psalm echoes this same truth. A life rooted in God’s word becomes stable and life-giving. A life rooted only in worldly success becomes fragile and temporary.

Jesus brings this message to life in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man is not condemned simply for being wealthy. His downfall is his indifference. Every day Lazarus lies at his gate in misery, and the rich man walks past him. He sees him but does nothing. His comfort blinds him to the suffering right in front of him.

After death the situation is reversed. Lazarus is comforted, while the rich man experiences the consequences of a life that ignored compassion. When the rich man asks that someone be sent to warn his brothers, Abraham responds that they already have Moses and the prophets. In other words, God has already given humanity the guidance we need. The real question is whether we are willing to listen.

This Gospel reminds us that faith is not just about believing the right things; it is about how we treat others, especially the poor, the suffering, and those on the margins. Lent calls us to examine our hearts. Are we living only for ourselves, or are we attentive to the needs of others?

The Lord searches our hearts, as Jeremiah says. He knows our intentions and our choices. But He also gives us grace to change. Lent is a time to deepen our trust in God, to turn away from indifference, and to become people whose lives bear fruit in love, mercy, and generosity.

If we root our lives in the Lord, we will not become like the barren bush in the desert. Instead, we will become like that tree planted by water, strong, faithful, and life-giving for others.

Amen.