Mountain climbers do not rely on their strength alone. While technique, stamina and physical strength are required, they also need to have the knowledge of which parts of the rock they can cling on to. Even if they have climbed many times they will first check if it can handle the weight. The first reading reminds us how Judah had lost its way. God compares his people to a loincloth. He wants us to cling on to him, to be his people (Jeremiah 13:11). We rot away, become unclean and vulnerable to disease when we disobey and lose our relationship with him. Today as we celebrate the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, we are reminded of what it means to hold on to Jesus. Even after the death of Lazarus, Martha held on to Jesus in faith. She had her confidence in him. Who do we cling on to? Do we hold to the solid rock or the nearest crumbly rock? We know we must hold on to Jesus, but we pursue other things because to hold unto Jesus means we have to sacrifice.

PRAYER: Abba Father, help me to cling on to you. Help me reject the crumbly, temporary desires that cause me to fall. Amen.