Daily Devotional

This principle of seeking God's kingdom first guided St. Paul in His missionary journeys. While advancing God’s kingdom on earth, God provided for his needs. Even though he also worked with his hands (he was a tent maker), he was always content with what came to him. His passion was evangelisation. He wasn’t competing to be known as the wealthiest man in the world. In today’s first reading, St. Paul writes: “I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

If we want our goods to be secure, we must store them in heaven, where thieves and robbers cannot break in and steal. How do we do this? Giving things away and helping those experiencing poverty and in need around us.

Jesus taught us a short prayer in our Gospel passage. This prayer does not use repeated/empty phrases. It gives God His due praise and glory. It begs God; it does not issue commands. It is a prayer of commitment in that it asks of God and tells God what you will give to Him. When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, you ask for your daily bread; you also promise to forgive those who sin against you. Do not be too focused on taking from God when you pray that you forget to give back to God.