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First Reading for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Summary: The LORD contrasts the fate of those who trust in humans—likened to a desert shrub, with those trusting in Him—compared to a flourishing tree by water. Highlighting the deceitfulness of the human heart, God asserts His role in judging motives and actions.

Trust and the Human Heart

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.

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