Scripture: Matthew 6: 25-27 and 33-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? . . . .
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Reflection By Jeanne Maloney
This seems like helpful scripture to begin the new year, at a time when we often assess the last year and look to how we can improve in the coming year. Who doesn’t want to worry less?
A key word in this passage is “first.” It is safe to say that as faithful people we all are seeking the Kingdom of God, it is just a question of where it ranks on our list of priorities. Life is all about choices. In this highly technological, consumer-driven and competitive world, we can often get caught up in our own busyness. We might occasionally need to stop to think about what we are so busy doing. What is it that we are seeking or maybe chasing? Why is it so hard to get ahead and feel fulfilled? Maybe it’s because we can never get enough of the things that don’t really fill our souls.
Jesus’ response to our worry-filled lives does not require us to pull away from the events, activities and people that make up our lives. Jesus is suggesting to move from the “many things” to the one necessary thing. He is referring to a change of heart. Our change of heart makes everything different, even while it remains the same. When we worry, we have our hearts in the wrong place. To seek the Kingdom of God means to make the Divine at the center of all we think, say and do. In the midst of our pains and our joys we need to make Christ a priority in the busyness of our lives.
Conversation Starters
What are the many things that keep you busy?
What do you worry about?
How might you change your habits to make knowing Christ a priority in your life?
Prayer
Speak to God, using these words or your own.
Dear Loving God, I acknowledge that too often I forget that you are with me. Please forgive me for that. I want to know you better and put you first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow but focus on what you are doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs – financial, relational, physical, social, emotional and spiritual. Help me to turn to you more often and worry less. Amen.