Morning Message: May 26

In today’s reading Jesus tells us that we will have what we need.  He reminds us that God knows our needs, and so we should not worry.  St. Philip Neri, whose feast we celebrate today, believed that people needed the Eucharist and encouraged them to receive Holy Communion frequently.

A reading for the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus, said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, what you will wear.  Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  And why do you worry about clothing?  Consider the lilies of the field; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all is glory was not clothed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you?  And indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”

Think about this silently in your heart.  What do you need?  Trust in God and bring that need to him in prayer.

What are some of the things that people worry about? Well, some might worry about whether they will have enough money to buy food and clothing for themselves and their family. Food and clothing are very important. In fact, they are things which we must have, but does worrying about it help us to get the food and clothing that we need?

In the reading today, we heard about a large group of people that was gathered around Jesus on a hillside and he began to teach them. "Don't worry about whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear," he said. "There are more important things in life than food and clothes." Then he went on to teach them a lesson about worry.

"Look at the birds in the air," Jesus said. "They don't worry where their next meal is coming from. They don't store up grain in barns. And yet, the Heavenly Father takes care of them. Surely you are worth more to him than a bird."

"And why worry about your clothing?" Jesus continued. "Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, and yet Solomon in all his glory wasn't dressed as beautifully as they are. If God cares so wonderfully for these wildflowers, surely he will take care of you. Why do you show your lack of faith by worrying about these things?"

Does this mean that we can sit around and wait for food and clothes to drop from the sky? No. God provides food for the birds, but he doesn't throw it into their nest. It is up to them to go out and gather their food. God provides clothing for us by giving us jobs so that we will have the money to buy clothes. Sometimes God provides clothes through friends and family who give us clothes. We need to have faith that God will provide, but we do have to do our part as well. Just remember -- our part does not include worry!

Heavenly Father, we know that you love us and you want us to trust in your care. Thank you for everything you provide to us.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.