Reading: 2 Chron. 24:17-25; Ps.89; Matt. 6:24-34

Rev.  Fr. Emmanuel Emenike  Onyia

DO NOT BE TOO ANXIOUS AND WORRIED ABOUT THE THINGS OF THIS PASSING WORLD FOR GOD CARES ABOUT YOU

The activities and life of the human person are always competitive and comparative, that is why we are often anxious to recognize or be recognized as the strongest, wisest, cleverest, and richest. We will always want to know the most beautiful, handsome, most talented and greatest in virtually everything.

Little wonder, the most lucrative businesses and adventures are found among those activities that are competitive such as sports, entertainment and politics because greatness gives more ego to our status and people are so anxious about them. This anxiety sometimes can lead to anxiety when people fail to achieve their plans because they have chosen to separate themselves from God.

Thus, this anxiousness that brings about a competitive and comparative way of life is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today when he said: “You men of little faith? Do not be anxious; do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?” It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well. So do not be anxious about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. For each day has enough trouble of its own.

Here, Jesus is calling us to reflect on our lives and our attitudes towards the material things of this passing world. We often stray from the right path because we are too distracted by our ambitions and desires for worldly pleasures and achievements which are serious obstacles that can prevent us from attaining our salvation, as we end up falling deeper and further into the path of sin which separates us from God.

Thus, we have to take a stand and choose firmly between serving God or material things, because we cannot serve both God and money, for sooner or later we will love one more than the other and the anxiousness to acquire more of it may lead us to anxiety. Hence the Lord tells us not to worry about our lives or other worldly desires for he shall provide all that we need.

Dear friends, why are we too anxious and worried about the things of this passing world? Why have we let this anxiousness separate us from God and his plan for us? So, today we so not be too anxious or worried about the things of this life for God cares about us despite all that we are going through. Hence, we have to make sure that we are not distracted by our over-ambitious desires for worldly things. We must let our focus be on God’s providence and not be like the Judaeans in our first reading today who abandoned the Temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, for the worship of sacred poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger fell on Judah and Jerusalem.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we live a life of comparative and competition, and these have often led us to be anxious about tomorrow and our future, and when we cannot meet up with these desires we fall into anxiety. This is because we have chosen to separate ourselves from you. As we listen to your words today, may we not be too anxious about the things of this passing world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a peaceful weekend.