February 26 - Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time : Do Not be anxious

 

First Reading   Isaiah 49:14–15
Can a mother forget her infant? Even should she forget, I will never forget you

 

Responsorial Psalm   Psalm 62:2–3,6–9
Only in God be at rest, my soul.

 

Second Reading   1 Corinthians 4:1–5
The Lord will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of the heart.

 

Gospel Reading Matthew 6:24–34

 

 

We are by nature prone to be anxious and troubled about many things. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus confronts us with our most common fears. We are anxious mostly about how we will meet our material needs—for food and drink; for clothing; for security for tomorrow. Yet in seeking security and comfort, we may unwittingly be handing ourselves over to servitude to “mammon,” Jesus warns. “Mammon” is an Aramaic word that refers to money or possessions. Jesus is not condemning wealth. Nor is he saying that we shouldn't work to earn our daily bread or to make provisions for our future. It is a question of priorities and goals. What are we living for? Where is God in our lives? Jesus insists that we need only to have faith in God and to trust in his Providence.