Turning Hearts to God: The Key to Eternal Life

Fr. Bernard Maganga, SMM

Turning Hearts to God: The Key to Eternal Life

Today’s readings guide us to seek something that never ends—eternal and everlasting blessings.

In the first reading from the book of Jeremiah, we encounter two types of people: those who are cursed and those who are blessed. Jeremiah warns, “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings.” This prompts us to pause and reflect: In our families, we naturally place trust in our spouses, children, and loved ones. So, is it wrong to trust them? Jeremiah continues, “Cursed is the one who seeks strength in the flesh.”

If Our Trust . . .

The key message he delivers is this: Cursed is the one who turns their heart away from God. If our trust in people, in ourselves, or in our wealth leads us away from God, then we are truly cursed.

In the Gospel, Jesus declares, “Woe to you who are rich! Woe to you who laugh now! Woe to you who are praised!” Again, we must pause and ask: Is it wrong to be wealthy? Is it wrong to be joyful or to receive praise? Certainly not. But if our wealth, happiness, or praise lead us to believe we are self-sufficient, distancing us from God, then woe to us indeed.

Jeremiah continues his message:

We are cursed when we place ultimate trust in people.
We are cursed when we rely solely on our own strength.
We are cursed when our hearts turn away from God.

Why is this so? Because we become like a barren bush in the desert, deprived of life-giving water, unable to bear fruit. Without God, we lack true life and vitality. Woe to us if we turn our hearts away from Him. But there is hope. Jeremiah also speaks of a second group: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord.”

In the Gospel, Jesus echoes this by saying:

“Blessed are the poor.”
“Blessed are those who weep.”
“Blessed are those who hunger.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted.”

We might wonder: Is it good to be poor or hungry? Is it good to suffer or be persecuted? No. God did not create us for suffering or sorrow. But blessed are we when we place our complete trust in the Lord, for He is the source of life.

The second reading reinforces this by reminding us that life does not end here. Christ rose from the dead, becoming the first fruit of the resurrection. Those who trust in the Lord receive blessings that extend beyond this life—eternal blessings that lead to resurrection and everlasting life.

What is the lesson from today’s readings? Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: