Readings: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Ps. 34:8-13, Matthew 6:24-34
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus begins by saying: “No one can serve two masters.” This means that no matter how we try to pretend, we are either serving God or serving mammon. Who is your master? Who are you loyal to? Who do you trust? It may be easy for us to say, “God is my master,” but the truth is that if we were to examine our hearts thoroughly, we would discover that we do not trust God as much as we ought.
We say God is our master, but we disobey His commandments in our quest for material things. We are more loyal to other gods, such as power, money, and pleasure. We claim God is our master, but our hearts remain restless after we have surrendered our troubles (needs, worries, fears, desires) to him. If God were truly our master, we would trust that God can provide for us as He provides for the birds of the air and the grass of the field. Do you believe that God is a Father who would never give His children scorpions when they ask for fish?
Jesus teaches us that if God were our master, we would be more concerned about promoting God’s kingdom on earth (we would seek God’s kingdom first) than struggling for our daily bread. We would be more concerned about advancing God’s kingdom because we know that by so doing, God will provide our needs; everything else we desire will be given to us.
This is the principle that 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).
This principle of seeking God’s kingdom first has always been my driving force. From the moment I felt called to the priesthood, I asked myself the questions Jesus mentioned in today’s Gospel passage: “What shall we eat? What shall we wear? Who will take care of my parents?” Over the years, I have come to realise that God has a way of providing what is needed when it is needed.
When you seek God’s kingdom and surrender your worries to him, He will provide for you, but do not be greedy. To be greedy is to serve another god. (cf. Colossians 3:5). If you are greedy, you would find yourself complaining all the time.
Today, we remember St. Aloysius Gonzaga. He was born into Italian nobility in Castiglione. Although his father intended for him to follow a military path serving Philip II, Aloysius felt a deep calling to religious life from an early age. By the age of nine, he had made a vow of perpetual virginity, and his first words were the sacred names of Jesus and Mary, showcasing his strong faith.
Under the mentorship of St. Charles Borromeo, Aloysius received his first Holy Communion. A kidney condition limited his social activities, leading him to dedicate more time to prayer and studying the lives of saints. While serving as a page in Spain, he maintained his spiritual practices and remained committed to joining the Jesuit order.
At eighteen, despite his family’s objections, especially from his father, Aloysius joined the Jesuits. He devoted himself to teaching catechism to the poor throughout Italy. His compassion and dedication were particularly evident during the 1587 plague in Milan, where he worked tirelessly in a hospital caring for the sick. Sadly, he contracted the disease and passed away at the young age of 23, with his final word being “Jesus,” reflecting his unwavering devotion. St. Robert Bellarmine later documented his life in “Life of St. Aloysius,” highlighting his holiness and virtue.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, save us from the mistake of serving another Master other than you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Ps. 34:8-13, Matthew 6:24-34).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu