Jeremiah 17:5-10 / Luke 16:19-31
What sets human beings apart from the rest of the created order in this world is that human beings are endowed with intelligence, will and freedom.
Hence human beings undoubtedly stand at the apex of creation.
Yet, the greater the gift, the heavier the responsibility.
The 1st reading states that cursed is the man who puts his trust in man, who relies on things of the flesh, whose heart turns from the Lord.
So as much as we are gifted with intelligence and will and freedom, we can misuse and abuse these gifts and end up as accursed human beings.
Such was the case of the rich man in the gospel parable. He looked to himself, enjoyed himself, ignored Lazarus and inevitably also turned away from God.
But as the 1st reading said, a blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope.
So with all intelligence, will and freedom, the heart must still decide if it is for God or against God.
We have more than Moses and the prophets to tell us the way. We even have Jesus to tell us the truth.
To decide to be blessed or cursed is our choice. And it may be an eternal choice.