Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13 / Luke 8:19-21
When we reflect upon nature, we may be able to see the mystery of life and what it reveals to us.
For example, when water runs down a slope, it does not flow in one straight line.
Rather, the water separates and each stream flows in a direction of its own.
Even the water seems to have some kind of life.
The first reading says that like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord, who turns it where He pleases.
But our human tendency is to direct the flow of water to where we want it to flow.
So we will dig drains and build ducts to direct the flow of water.
Similarly we want to direct the flow of our lives according to our own wishes.
As the first reading says, we work hard for gain, but we also want to gain quickly, but it leaves us desiring for more.
It also reminds us that the Lord weighs the heart, and to act virtuously and with justice is more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifice.
Indeed, when we turn away from sin and put our lives in the hands of God, then our hearts will be like flowing water in the hand of the Lord who turns it where He pleases.
And the Lord will also make our hearts flowing with His love to hear the poor man’s cry.
And when we call upon the Lord, He will hear our cry and quench our thirst with His living water.