Much of our everyday life is based on trust and our society cannot function without it. We trust those who perform services for us, drive buses and taxis, and fly planes. We trust families, spouses, and friends. And yet Jeremiah warns us in strong terms against placing too much trust in humans. But the warning is really about where we put our full and ultimate trust. People are weak - they can fail, they can be fickle, they can betray. No one is perfect. But when we put our trust in God we know that God will never let us down or betray us in any way. When we draw our strength, guidance, and protection from God we know we are in perfect hands.

It is said that the opposite of love is not hatred but indifference. The greatest cruelty is when we are completely blind and deaf to the pain, suffering, and needs of others. At least when we hate someone we acknowledge that they are alive! The rich man is so busy stuffing his own face that he does not even notice the suffering Lazarus at his door. Only after his death does he come to his senses, but even then he wants to order Lazarus around to do his errands. Abraham gives him the bad news: his days of self-indulgence and exercising power over others are finished. From now on he has to experience the life that he has made for himself. Let us open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others.