"Blessed are you..."; "Cursed is the one...".

The readings and the Psalm today confront us with a choice.  Will we be among those who are blessed, putting our hope in the Lord, or will we focus instead on ourselves alone and be cursed?  The prophet Jeremiah paints a picture of what it looks like to trust in the Lord:  The one who has faith is like a tree planted near water. Even in times of drought and danger, they are not distressed; for their roots run deep.  May God help us to strengthen our trust and our faith in Him.