First, he started with "the past", and reminded us that not one person in the room could change it, no matter how hard we all try. Therefore, we should not waste time worrying about it.
Then he moved to "the future", and told us it was nothing more than a theory. Not one of us could actually guarantee it would even arrive. Therefore, again, we should not waste time worrying about it.
His goal of the seminar was to teach us about "the present" and how we react to it. When something happens - it happens. It is already in the past. Therefore the only thing we can control is the present - which is how we react to it. We can choose to be positive or negative. Etc etc.
Of course, it sounded so easy when he said it. On paper it looks as simple as 1+1=2.
Putting it into practice in real life is much harder, of course.
In this week's Gospel, Jesus is trying to give us a similar message. He points out how useless our worries are - especially those regarding the future - and that God will provide for us the same way He does for all living things. My favorite line in this passage has always been:
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life?
That is such a powerful line.
But this week, I spent time thinking about Matthew's last line in this reading:
Sufficient for a day is its own evil
In that phrase, Jesus is basically telling us that each day brings with it particular cares, worries, issues, problems, etc. To worry about the things of tomorrow is basically doubling the worry we face today.
And with everything going on in our lives, who needs that??
God Bless you.
4 comments:
This is another brilliant post Michael. Thank you.
Worry is natural. But when we over-worry we are in fact saying we don't trust God.
May He bless you always.
As usual, Michael you have brought a fresh perspective to this passage. I never quite thought of it as doubling our worries, but I guess it really is. I am kind of reminded of the old Fleetwood Mac song: "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow". According to Jesus, we really need to stop thinking or at least worrying about it. I much rather listen to Him :)
Thanks for the post and for stopping by my blog earlier. Wishing you a blessed Lent as well.
Oh you're right, Michael! We ARE doubling our worry. I never really considered it from this angle. (Which is probably why I've doubled my worry so much, come to think of it.)
Great post!
Victor, Karin, Colleen and Mary - thank you so much for your kind words - I'm glad you liked this perspective.
God Bless you all.
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