GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY -18TH JUNE 2016

GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)

DATE: 18TH JUNE 2016

SATURDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1ST READING: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25

PSALM: Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34

GOSPEL: Matthew 6:24-34

THEME: STOP WORRYING!

An unknown author writes, “Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.” Is it not a paradox that as kids we are overly concerned and worried about growing and yet when we grow old we worry, longing to be children again? Another absurdity is the fact that we often worry and lose our health in the pursuit of money and when we get this money, we use it to restore our health.

The above examples reveal the nature of worries – they are repetitive and unproductive. To live in a state of perpetual worrying is to create a culture of anxiety for oneself. The end-product of this is despair. And once a person arrives at the state of despair, life loses its value and people are ready to take their lives.

In our Gospel text for today, Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs (Mt 6:32), but forbids making them the object of anxious care and becoming their slaves. He gives at least two reasons why one ought not to worry. First and foremost, worry does not add one single cubit to a person’s life. In other words, worries have no value. On the contrary, worry takes away our joy and beauty. Worrying minds age faster and there is often a look of gloom on such faces.

Secondly, the great providence of our heavenly Father even towards birds and flowers is a proof and a divine assurance to every one of us that God is capable of providing for our needs. God knows everything about every person. When we choose to rely on him and cast our cares upon him, we overcome worries.

Strictly speaking, there are many things in our world that can become a cause of worry. The system of our human world has become so complex that even children are battling with worries. However, a wise unknown author writes, “To be at peace, resign as general manager of the universe.” Let us do the best we can and trust that God is capable of managing the world he has created.

Lord God, I cast all my cares and burdens on you and I place my trust in you. In your great providence, fill my heart with your peace and joy. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen

Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD

DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES

BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)

 

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