God spoke through Jeremiah to the Israelites, pleading with them to repent. God remembered Israel's devotion in the past. But things had changed. God had given the people a land of plenty, yet the people had turned their backs on God. They had defiled the land; the priests and rulers had turned away from God; and the prophets had turned to Baal. The people had forsaken God and turned elsewhere. God was mourning the lost relationship with His people. Does this remind us of what is happening today with the environment, the lack of respect for others, the turning away from God? Let us heed these words from Jeremiah and return to our Lord!

The disciples were perplexed because Jesus was speaking to the crowds in parables or stories. Jesus explained that the disciples had been given the gift of understanding, but the others had not. Jesus even quoted the prophet Isaiah to underscore His explanation. Then Jesus reminded the disciples that they are truly blessed for they are present with Him when the prophets and righteous people of the past did not have that privilege and joy. As followers of Jesus do we appreciate His presence in our lives now?