March 4, Thursday Lenten Weekday

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. -- Psalm 40:5

Mass readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10 / Luke 16:19-31

The Gold Standard

Several years ago, I was misdiagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a serious heart and lung disease. After three years of treatment, a new specialist said, ''Deb, let's run a right heart catheterization. It's the gold standard for diagnosing this disease.'' (The catheter probes the heart to measure blood pressure and oxygen levels, and examines the valves.) When I had the procedure, I was found to be completely disease free!

The prophet Jeremiah suggests there is only one ''gold standard'' for testing our hearts spiritually. He states that we can't understand our own hearts and that ''the Lord alone probes the mind and tests the heart'' (Jer 17:9-10). How prone I am to self-deception! Only the Lord is able to probe deeply enough to discern my mixed motives, hidden agendas and inordinate desires.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, during this Lenten season, may You reveal to me the true condition of my heart!