“Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.”
For Jesus, worry is the opposite of faith, no doubt. Worry reveals that, deep down in our hearts, we don’t rely on God – but ourselves. Faith is letting God be God. Faith is surrendering ourselves to God. Faith is giving control of our lives over to God. Essentially, faith is realizing God always was, always is, and always will be in control. To believe in God in this way is to lean into that realization and let it shape our lives. The alternative is to worry, which means we don’t believe God is in control – so we have to be.
Today marks the feastday of St. Louis. He was made King at only 11 years of age, and was the father of 11 children. He led an exemplary life, spending long hours in prayer, fasting, and penance, without the knowledge of his people. He was renowned for his charity: beggars were fed from his table; he washed their feet, ministered to the wants of the lepers, and daily fed over one hundred poor. He founded many hospitals and other places of care for the sick. All of these were clear signs that he trusted deeply that God was in control of both his life and his kingdom.
Let us pray. “What a shame, Lord, were our worries, burdens, and fears to keep us from the simple joys and blessings you will offer us today. So, help us see that even in the hardest of times you do not hold back your help, but rather you multiply the ways you care for us. Let nothing keep us from seeing and hearing, tasting and touching, knowing and enjoying the many gifts you leave along our path. Even though this day may have its troubles, Lord, let nothing keep us from the peace, the grace, and the delights that will come our way – from your hand – without fail. Amen.”
