FIRST READING
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Thus says the LORD:
Cursed is the man 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 man 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. More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Not so, the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL
See Luke 8:15
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
GOSPEL
Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’“
REFLECTIONS:
A HEART-TO-HEART TALK
"I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart." Jeremiah 17:10
Throughout the Lenten season, the catechumens, those preparing to be baptized and/or to enter the Catholic Church, are being scrutinized. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent, usually at Mass, the catechumens will be prayed for by the universal Church, according to the pattern of the ancient prayers called "the scrutinies." In these prayers, we ask the Lord to read (e.g. Acts 1:24), search (Ps 139:23), purify (e.g. Acts 15:9), and strengthen their hearts (e.g. 1 Thes 3:13). This "open-heart operation" is absolutely essential, and only God can perform it (Jer 17:10; Jn 2:25), for the human heart is tortuous, twisted, deceitful, and humanly incomprehensible (Jer 17:9).
Although the scrutinies are primarily for the catechumens, we all need to have our hearts scrutinized and purified by the Lord. Ask Jesus to remove from the inner recesses of your heart (Mk 7:21) all that is not of Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to pour out in your heart His divine love (Rm 5:5). Then, filled with this love, speak from the abundance of your heart (Lk 6:45). Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Prayer: "Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, make our hearts like Yours" (see Mt 11:29). Promise: "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if one should rise from the dead." Lk 16:31 Praise: For over a decade, Sarah has faithfully devoted several hours weekly to adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. (To come closer to Jesus as you are alone with Him, consider ordering our book, Conversion-Conversations. This book contains forty weeks of brief daily prayer conversations that will bring you deeply into His heart.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant my permission to publish One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013.
Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 13, 2012.
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements
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