RBWords

     In reflecting on this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, I have often remembered a character from a popular magazine in my college days, MAD MAGAZINE, which had a signature character named Alfred E. Neumann.  His goofy face appeared on posters with the words, "What? Me? Worry?"  There's no question in my mind that today's gospel passage is a hard one for me.  I do worry about tomorrow, and today, and even yesterday!  I have been working on this and trying in my new residence out in West Texas to appreciate the slower pace of life and living one day at a time.  The results are mixed but I'm trying.

     Jesus' words, spoken to an audience that was probably barely surviving, must have been a challenge to them.  Even more so in our time of instant communication and constant scurrying from place to place with cell phones glued to our ear or "ear buds"  playing something in our heads.  How can one seek first the kingdom of God in the midst of all this?  For myself, I try to remember the phrase from one of the psalms: "Be still, and know that I am God." Can I sit still for more than a few seconds?  Can I leave something for later so I can enjoy time with God or friends?  St. Paul's paradox in today's first scripture is one to consider: "...for when I am weak, then I am strong."  AMEN