Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34
“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 clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But
seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will
be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of
itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
+ + + + + +
Reflection:
There was once a man who deeply desired to test the providence of God. With bold faith, he prayed and said: “Lord, I will go to a remote mountain. I will stay there for a whole month. I will bring nothing with me—only the clothes I am wearing. I trust that You will provide.”
During the first week, he survived by picking fruits that grew within his reach. Then, as the second week began, he unexpectedly came across a small, community of tribesmen. When they saw him, they were astonished. He was unlike anyone they had ever encountered. In their hearts, they said, “This man must be sent by God.” They welcomed him with great kindness and treated him like a king.
In return, he taught them simple but meaningful lessons—things that could help them in their daily lives. It became a beautiful exchange of grace and generosity.
When the month had passed, the man bade them farewell. His heart was overflowing with gratitude. He was now fully convinced of the boundless and eternal providence of God.
In the Gospel, Jesus lovingly reminds us: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:30–32)
The secret to a joyful and meaningful life is not found in material abundance, but in serving God with whatever we have and surrendering ourselves to His divine providence. He will surely provide—just as He always has—for those who trust in Him.
Let us not be anxious. Let us not be afraid. God knows our needs, even before we ask. And to calm our restless hearts, Jesus Himself assures us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” (John 14:1) – Marino J. Dasmarinas
No comments:
Post a Comment