 Sunday Week 8 Year A
Matthew 6 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? If we had a true understanding of God, our lives would be liberated from worry. Many would reply: Yes, but life is insecure. We want security about food, clothing, healthcare. Therefore, human beings try to amass wealth. Jesus’ view: the danger in amassing wealth, “treasure on earth”, is that it can enslave us totally. We are deceived. Wealth can’t be an absolute security. God’s favour alone (God’s concern which transcends death) can provide a true and lasting security. As Christians our hearts must be set upon God. Other concerns will then find their proper place. To try to please two masters is an impossible task! As Jesus tries to get this point across, he lets his imagination flow. The birds of the air don’t sow or reap, yet our heavenly Father feeds them. The flowers of the fields don’t work or spin, yet God clothes them in beauty. My own imagination began to flow. “Why, Lord, didn’t you create me a daffodil? Gently waving in a spring breeze: a beautiful deep yellow flower; a sturdy green stem! No worry; no fretting”. Life today seems increasingly full of must-sees, must-haves, must –dos. Have we not allowed the Deceiver to enslave us? We are rightly angry when we hear of individuals being enslaved. Why don’t we notice when we allow good things not to enhance our lives but to enslave them? The deceiver is a skilled operator. Lent is almost upon us. Please don’t decide just to give up something. Stop, think and notice what enslaves you. What hinders a deeper relationship with God? Stop, think and imagine how you could come closer to God. Imagine! Try to be attentive to what God is offering you. Remember, like the woman in the first reading, God cannot forget you! Ian Tomlinson SJ |
