Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus tells us, “Do not worry about what you will eat or drink or what you will wear.” Instead, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things will be given you besides.” But what would happen if you stopped going through all the effort and worry it takes to provide enough food, clothing, and shelter for you and those you are responsible for?
Surely Jesus isn’t telling us not to provide what our families and communities need and just leave the hard work up to God. Rather, he’s saying: make serving and loving God your priority. Then work for your food and clothing with trust that God will help you; you’re not alone. If we love and trust God, we will have the faith we need to see God’s hand in all areas of our lives, whether in abundance or in poverty.
We are reminded of this duty to serve God first and trust him when we pray the Our Father. In that prayer we say, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,” which is our way of seeking first the Kingdom of God. Only then do we add our petition of trust, “Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses.” Seeking and loving God is first; then we can trust he will help us get what we need.
Reflection by Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections