22.06.2024 – St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo, FL

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What to care about – Trusting Beyond Worry

2Chronicles 24:17-25, Psalm 89, Matthew 6:24-34

In the Gospels, Jesus tells us to prioritize our relationship with God over our concerns and not to be overly focused on material possessions. In a world where many people are obsessed with acquiring wealth, he advises us to make a deliberate choice to prioritize our spiritual well-being.

Jesus reminds us that money and material possessions can sometimes become so important to us that they take the place of what is truly valuable. It’s important to know that God’s love is more valuable than anything money can buy. Today, Jesus tells us not to worry about basic things like food, drink, and clothes. He points out that birds don’t plant or harvest, yet they are provided for by God. He also talks about how beautiful lilies are, even though they don’t work for their beauty. So, we can trust that God will take care of us and provide what we need.

If God takes care of the birds and flowers so well, imagine how much he cares for you! He wants us to trust that everything we need will be provided. It is normal to get worried, to be concerned about tomorrow. Worrying stems from our awareness of the vagaries of life and cannot be completely banished from our minds. Parents worry about their children. Relatives worry about each other. Young people worry about their future. Jesus must have worried about his disciples, and the rejection of his message by many. So, he does not tell us to never be concerned about anything. Rather, what he says is, don’t set your hearts on food, drink and clothing; don’t make material goods your main concern, for that would be pure paganism.

It is really about getting our priorities right, in line with Christ’s own priorities. He says, “Set your hearts on God’s kingdom first, and on his righteousness.” Don’t be so anxious about food, drink and clothing that there is no room left for doing God’s will. The beginning of the Lord’s Prayer lists the real priorities, “Hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” These were Jesus’ concerns and should be ours as well.

So, instead of getting stressed about our everyday needs, Jesus tells us to focus on seeking God’s way of life and doing what is right. He invites us to prioritize our relationship with God by seeking Him in prayer, Scripture, and acts of love. Tomorrow will bring its own concerns. Live fully in the present and trust that God’s grace will sustain you.

Choose God over worry, seek His kingdom, and live each day with faith, knowing that He holds our tomorrows. Jesus says, “Let tomorrow take care of itself. Today has troubles enough of its own.” It is more vital to live today than to worry about tomorrow. May your day be filled with peace, purpose, and the sweet fragrance of divine love.

… Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!