Worry

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
Readings: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13; Matthew 6:24-34

Summary

Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? (MT 6:27).

This statement by Jesus can be presented in one or the other or in three ways, if we include the variant. This particular translation picks the time version in the plain meaning. The other translation is the height version (Stature or Status – a subvariant), i.e., Can any of you by worrying add a single cubit to your stature? (MT 6:27).

1. Time – length of life.
2. Stature – physical characteristics.
   2a. Status – social status.

All combined says: Can any of you by worrying lengthen your lifespan, change your physical being, or change your status among men?

In our society today we say YES to all of these without even reflecting on what we mean by it! We strive for these exterior change without counting the cost to our interior being. Literally, these ‘goals’ become life depriving making life seem horrible: “Life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” from the book, 1651 Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes because they are not moderated by right relationship between man and God and among men.

Reflection

Using Saint Aloysius Gonzaga as an example, his life of piety needed conversion too! He may not sought the worldly goals expressed above (n fact far from it) but he was in an unrefined place of worry and misdirection. Thanks be to God, he continued to seek the face of God and he was transformed. Read about him here: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-aloysius-gonzaga/

Our psalmist (PS 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13) brings us a new way to center our thoughts.

The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,
for nought is lacking to those who fear him.
The great grow poor and hungry;
but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.

Come, children, hear me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you desires life,
and takes delight in prosperous days?

Personal Reflection

Worry is life-depriving when in particular we focus on longevity, appearance and social status. Rather, let us use our energy in prayer and service and relation. Then all these things will be ours in the proper proportions and effects.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry