Jesus said to his disciples: "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."
REFLECTION
But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.
Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives, giving us the example of the birds of the air fed by God. The emphasis is not on the birds themselves but that we are more important than they. It is not like He will leave a bag of groceries for us on the porch but for those who seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all needed things will be given to us. He provides by way of people that help us, good job opportunities, Church's food pantry and many times our money seems to multiply.
Jesus is not encouraging carelessness or irresponsibility. Rather, He is teaching us to place our trust in God above all things. Worry can consume our hearts and make us believe that everything depends on our own strength, planning, and resources. Faith reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see how He will provide.
PAPA (Priest Always Prayer Apostolate) is an excellent example of God's providence. We operate with very modest financial resources. Looking at our budgets alone, one might wonder how we can continue year after year. Yet PAPA organizes retreats, conferences, seminars, website, mailing of PAPA prayer cards, t shirts and caps for the new priests, birthday and ordination cards for PAPA priests. The website is beautiful and forever improving, FACE ZBS (Face to face zoom bible study) videos are posted on the website, you tube, and other social media outlets.
We pray for life, gather to pray for religious brothers, priests, bishops, cardinals and the Pope and the many daily prayer intentions. Time and again, the funds seem insufficient, but somehow there is always enough.
The bills are paid. The retreat center or Seelos Hall are secured. The meals are provided. The speakers arrive. The participants are blessed. What appears impossible on paper becomes possible through God's providence.
This does not happen because people sit back and do nothing. Dedicated volunteers work tirelessly, benefactors give generously, and many pray fervently. Yet behind all these efforts stands the loving hand of God. He often provides through the generosity of His people, sometimes at the very last moment, teaching everyone involved to trust Him more deeply.
We focus on supporting priests through prayer and encouragement. God continually supplies what is needed.
We should examine our own worries. What keeps us awake at night? Finances? Health? Family concerns? The future of the Church? Jesus does not promise a life free from challenges, but He does promise that the Father knows our needs before we ask.
When we seek first God's Kingdom, we begin to see His providence in unexpected ways. We discover that our lives are held securely in the hands of a loving Father.
Take home message is to trust completely in God's providence. For when the Lord is at the center, there is always enough grace, enough strength, and often enough resources to accomplish the mission He has entrusted to us.
Yes, God provides to those who trust in Him!
God bless you!