Newton Basumatari csc.
Readings: Jas 1: 12-18; Mk 8: 14-21
Today’s gospel reading presents Jesus as the eternal bread, inviting us to focus on things that will last forever. Very often, we worry about material things that provide momentary satisfaction, causing us to neglect the eternal sustenance found in Jesus. Like the disciples in the gospel who were concerned about physical needs, we too can find ourselves in the same predicament. We frequently worry about the future and the uncertainties that lie ahead – a family man worries about his children’s future, an employee about his company benefits, and students about their exams.
Though worries are inevitable in our lives, today Jesus is urging us to shift our concerns towards our spiritual needs. We cannot avoid worries in our lives; however, we can discipline ourselves to prioritize our spiritual needs. As the psalmist prayed, “Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord.” This discipline becomes possible when our focus is on Jesus.
In the words of Saint Padre Pio, one can say, “Do not worry over things that generate preoccupation and anxiety; one thing only is necessary—to lift your spirit and love God.”
Today, let us ask the Lord to fill us with his grace, enabling us to discipline our desires and shift our focus from worrying about material needs to concentrating more on our spiritual well-being.