What a contrast we hear today, between someone who trusts only in other people, who are like the "chaff that the wind drives away" (Psalm 1:4) and the one who trusts in the Lord, who "knows the way of the righteous" (Psalm 1:6), as Jeremiah writes. But that difference pales when we read the Gospel and Epistle. Luke’s writing of the Beatitudes continues with the woes and laments about people who have all they need right now. And the Epistle tells us plainly that those "who have fallen asleep in Christ" believe with Paul what is "of first importance": that Christ has been raised and that we shall stand with Him. In fact, our Lord is "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor. 15:20). Today we reflect on what we believe and confess, on which we receive power to live, and by which we shall stand forever.