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Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the Lord says:
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
Reflection
We live in a world where many people put their pleasures in health, wealth, and wisdom. We are enticed to love all kinds of things. Primarily, the temptation is to satisfy myself with many things in this world – which provide health, wealth, or wisdom. The world will try to provide many different sources to provide me happiness. According to prophet Jeremiah, our own achievements ought not be the source of our happiness. To “boast” means to exclaim with joy. When I boast, I am describing the source of my happiness. There are THREE Common sources human happiness
- Wisdom (skills, intelligence, experience) Wise
- Strength (physical, political, military) Health
- Riches (monetary, relational) Wealth
These were the very things that were offered to Jesus by the devil when he tempted Him in the wilderness. If it were you, will be in a position to resist the temptation? As we journey with our Lord in the wilderness, let us remember that the biggest temptations comes from these three issues and we should remember that true happiness comes from our relationship with our creator.
Collect
Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things
that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
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