He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;* yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
-Luke 12:22-21
There are many material things to worry about in day to day life, not just food and clothing. I think we might add to the list in the readings things such as insurance premiums, mortgage payments or rent, utilities, college tuition, and the list could go on. There can always be that bill we did not expect. Wouldn’t it be irresponsible not to worry or at least try to anticipate how we will manage all the bills. But here, Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry. The message is not exactly “don’t worry, be happy”, but it is clear that Jesus is suggesting that worrying about our daily material needs can be counterproductive. Perhaps this is another version of the message “do not be afraid” which we hear many times in the Gospels. We know that we can be paralyzed by fear or, as suggested here by Jesus, by having little faith.
When I was in my early 20’s, I was participating in a Cursillo weekend with men who were all further along in life that I was. As we went around the room introducing ourselves, they each mentioned jobs and wives and children along with a few other things. I began to get worried. What should I say when it was my turn? I did not really have many accomplishments. Finally, feeling a bit inadequate, I stood and spoke. “I am Bill Beachy. I have no children, no wife, and no job.” I was shocked when the room burst into applause. This was certainly a much more welcoming reception than I had expected. It dawned on me that they thought it was wonderful that I did not have to worry about all those things. My fears had been unwarranted.
Another important suggestion from Jesus in this passage is that we strive for God’s kingdom rather than striving for the things of this world for which the nations strive. We have recently heard in the Gospels that Jesus instructed his disciples, before leaving them, to love one another as he had loved them. We have also heard that the resurrected Jesus instructed Peter, “feed my sheep”. Being generous and compassionate, and forgiving can be scary propositions. What if people just take advantage of us and play us for fools? Jesus words here are reassuring. God knows our needs and understands it is can be daunting to step out in faith. The message is not to be frozen by worry or fear, but to take these steps and strive to love others as we are each loved by God.
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God - Maranatha Singers
Loving God, guide my feet to follow you, open my heart to trust you, and open my hands to offer your care to others in my life. Amen.
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