Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: At first glance the readings today from Chronicles and from Matthew do not seem to fit together. The reading from Chronicles relates a paints the picture of an angry God, who is focused on providing his chosen people with the lesson they will never forget. Don’t buy into the Lord’s commands and you will find yourselves crashed by your enemies. 
 
Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel provides us with a more spiritual message. Disconnect yourself from the things that the world finds important like material goods and wants, and become more trusting of God, like the birds of the sky and the flowers of the fields. 
 
However, in taking a second look at our readings, we might be able to say that in a certain way they are related.  The leaders of Judah are involved in conduct that shows that they have lost focus, that they have taken the easy way. They have misjudged the value of their gift from God and they have placed immediate gratification over long-term growth.  They stopped being focused on their relationship with God and became more selfish.
 
Jesus invites those listening to focus on things that really matter and not those that are distractions.  Jesus challenges those listening and us to live more simply, less materialistically, and more spiritually.  Jesus encourages us to be more faith-filled and less troubled by the things we are powerless to change.
 
In other words, it is not the temporary and fleeting things in life but the consent presence of God that can help us come to the source of real power. It is coming to the realization that we cannot serve two masters. It is making the conscious choice to put God at the center of our life. It is trusting in the reality that when we are weak we are strong. It is not worrying about tomorrow but living today!
 
Have a great Saturday everyone!