TRUST IN GOD’S LOVE AND PROVIDENCE! ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Daily Reflections

Sunday, 26^thFebruary 2017.

Eighth Week in the Ordinary Time

Is 49: 14-15;

Ps 62: 2-9;

1Cor 4: 1-5;

Mt 6: 24-34.

TRUST IN GOD’S LOVE AND PROVIDENCE!

In the Jewish cultural context, once a man had disowned his wife, he could not take her back anymore. So also a father who rejects his son, was no longer allowed to take him back as a member of his family. We see that in the Scriptures, both these traditions are challenged by God. The Prophet Hosea marries, Gomer a prostitute. He deeply loved her and wishes nothing else of her than she be faithful to him. But she used to desert him and go off with other men. Hosea would be deeply hurt, but every time she went away, he would call her back to himself and forgive her. As Hosea reflected upon his misfortunes, he came to the realization that his plight was like that of God who deeply loved Israel and but she proved over and over again that she was incapable of fidelity.

As regards a rebellious son, we have the famous parable of the Prodigal Son. There we see how the younger son, who decides to take life in his own hands and abandons his father. After he becomes a pauper and realizes what he had done his thoughts turn homeward. The Father receives him back as though everything was fine, against the customs of the society.

In the first reading today the prophet Isaiah comforts the nation Israel, which is still in exile, with the image of a MOTHER. Israel complaints about it feeling neglected and abandoned by God. But God replies wonderfully: “Can a woman forget her baby at the breast, feel no pity for the child she has borne? Even if she were to forget, I shall not forget you” (v 15).The prophet is using an image of tenderness while trying to say, “God is more than you can imagine.” The prophet is saying, whatever you can imagine; God’s love and awareness of you, goes beyond imagining or sensing. The entire passage from today’s Gospel offers a list of things we worry about that we shouldn’t. Jesus is very direct in saying that we should not worry about money and all that money provides. He cares more for us than the birds of the sky or flowers of the field, yet He takes perfect care of them. Will He not also take care of us? He certainly will.

The Gospel can be clearly divided into two parts and each warns against a danger that must be unequivocally avoided. The first is attachment to money (v.24). Making money a central focus in life deters us from trust in the providence of God. We certainly should not go about life carefree in regard to providing for ourselves and our loved ones. We have a duty to work and earn a living and provide for ourselves and our family. But it’s one thing to be diligent and responsible in accord with the will of God. It’s another thing to worry excessively or to make money the central focus of our lives. The simple answer to being worry free in regards to money is trust. Trust God enough to take care of you. Pray, listen to Him, let Him show you His will in regard to the way you will earn a living, and then confidently do what you hear Him calling you to do. At times, money may be tight. These moments can either be a cause for worry and anxiety, or a cause for greater trust and surrender to God. God certainly does not promise to make you rich in material things. This may or may not happen and, in fact, it matters little to God. The key is that, rich or poor, you trust God and entrust your finances to Him. If you have much, make sure that it is daily given over to God and that you daily ask Him to direct you in the use of your wealth. If you have little, do not give in to fear but trust that the Lord knows your needs and will show you how to meet those needs.

The second part (vv. 24-34) warns us of another danger that must be avoided. Jesus gives the example of the birds who don’t sow or harvest. But do they sit idle? Does food get dropped in their nests? They have to search for it. What Jesus is instructing us is not to worry, he does not tell us not to work. Excessive anxieties and obsessive worries do not yield anything good. The reason why we should keep our peace of heart even when we encounter very serious difficulties is the certainty that our life is in the safe hands of God.

Jesus also mentions how we should not bother about clothing. There is an old saying: “Clothes make the man.” Glamour magazines and textile industries try to woo us by their advertisements, convincing us that they can adorn us for every occasion. Some clothes like uniforms, jackets and caps can be symbols of identity. Jesus is offering His closest followers an inner clothing. Those who serve God receive their identification which results, not in appearance, but in what they are. Serving ‘mammon’ is asking the external to support the fragile interior. It can never beautify the interior.

Let us reflect on God’s love for us. Are we willing to give control over every area of our life?

Prayer: Lord, I entrust to You my finances and my material possessions. I entrust them to Your care and to Your providence. Please free me from useless anxiety and worry and help me to keep You at the center of my life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.