Sunday, February 26, 2017
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Matthew 6:34
If we could only heed these words! Do not worry about… The three dots after that phrase should be filled in by you. What is it that you worry about?
The entire passage from today’s Gospel offers a list of things we worry about that we shouldn’t. It especially points to concerns about our material well-being. Jesus is very direct in saying that we should not worry about money and all that money provides. He cares more for us than the birds of the sky or flowers of the field, yet He takes perfect care of them. Will He not also take care of us? He certainly will.
In this Gospel, Jesus directly states that you cannot serve both God and money. In other words, you cannot make both of them the object of your desire and longing.
Making money a central focus in life deters us from trust in the providence of God. We certainly should not go about life carefree in regard to providing for ourselves and our loved ones. We have a duty to work and earn a living and provide for ourselves and our family. But it’s one thing to be diligent and responsible in accord with the will of God. It’s another thing to worry excessively or to make money the central focus of our lives.
The simple answer to being worry free in regard to money is trust. Trust God enough to take care of you. Pray, listen to Him, let Him show you His will in regard to the way you will earn a living, and then confidently do what you hear Him calling you to do. At times, money may be tight. These moments can either be a cause for worry and anxiety, or a cause for greater trust and surrender to God.
God certainly does not promise to make you rich in material things. This may or may not happen and, in fact, it matters little to God. The key is that, rich or poor, you trust God and entrust your finances to Him. If you have much, make sure that it is daily given over to God and that you daily ask Him to direct you in the use of your wealth. If you have little, do not give in to fear but trust that the Lord knows your needs and will show you how to meet those needs.
Reflect, today, upon how regularly you surrender your finances over to God. Are you willing to give Him complete control of this area of your life? If so, you will be freed of much distress.
Lord, I entrust to You my finances and my material possessions. I entrust them to Your care and to Your providence. Please free me from useless anxiety and worry and help me to keep You at the center of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
