Prayer:
Come, Holy Ghost. Help me to seek first the Kingdom of heaven.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching His disciples about the Father’s care for them.
Context:
Jesus has been explaining the eight beatitudes and all that is demanded of a disciple. He ends his talk on a different note. Disciples must not worry, even about their daily needs. If they serve Jesus, the Father will provide.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- To worry about food, drink and clothing is quite normal. Everyone does this, even pagans who have no faith.
- Jesus explains that the Heavenly Father knows and cares about the disciples’ human needs.
- The disciple must have a total faith in God’s Providence.
- They need to do one thing, seek first the Kingdom. Then, they will have all the food, drink and clothing that they need.
- The disciple must not worry about a tomorrow (which never comes). The Father provides for each day’s challenges.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, when I have little faith, I am anxious. When I have great faith, I am at peace.
- O Lord, calm my inner questions.
- O Father, why do I not trust you? Did you not create me? Will you not provide?
- Jesus, your command is clear. I must seek first your Kingdom.
- Jesus, make me a child. To trust. To live one day at a time. To believe that God will give me my daily bread.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will examine my anxieties and why I grow fearful.
+ I will place greater trust in my heavenly Father.