Word to the Wise
Saturday, June 21, 2008 - St. Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J.
[2 Chronicles 24:17-25 and Matthew 6:24-34]So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil!
Outside my house are a couple of bird feeders. I keep them replenished because I like to be reminded about God caring for the sparrows. I suspect they do well even when I'm not filling those bird feeders. I need the reminders because, as a commercial puts it, "Life comes at you fast!" I tend to worry about some of life's administrative challenges too much. Jesus' words are not an invitation to sit down and wait for everything to drop in our laps. He points out that the Kingdom of God should have priority in our worries and not our consumer needs. Our general reaction to this is a deep sigh and a weary, "Yeah, yeah!" and we go right away back to worrying about where our next meal is coming from. People in Twelve Step programs know well the necessity to live day to day and accept the role of providence. That wisdom could benefit us all. That Simon and Garfunkel song from the 60's with the lyrics, "Slow down, you're going too fast. Got to make the morning last!" may be a bit too carefree, but not by much. Jesus summons us to work for the Kingdom and promises us the other things we need will be provided. Can we trust him? AMEN