The Paradox Par Excellence
Nothing is more common among men than the thirst for riches. To heap up money, by hook or crook (even by the most infamous ones) has always seemed the sweetest and the most respectable of occupations. But anyone who wants to be a true disciple of Jesus has to sell all he has and give it to the poor, and he will have treasures in heaven. Poverty is the first requisite for the citizenship of the kingdom.
Most people are anxious, because they are afraid of the ‘villain’ tomorrow. They are always afraid lest the ground should give way under their feet, lest they should have not enough bread to last to the next harvest. They are worried not only about their generation, but even about the generations to come. Our Lord clearly tells us: “No one can serve two masters at the same time”. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon, in all his glory ,was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly look after you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’
These things dominates the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today (Mt. 6: 24-34).
