Be anxious for nothing

"So do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6: 34)

• Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6)
  
• Do not be anxious about what to say in your defense (Matthew 10: 19, Mark 13: 11, Luke 12: 11)
  
• Do not worry about what to eat or drink (Matthew 6: 25-31, Luke 12: 22)
  
• Who by being anxious can add a cubit to his life? (Matthew 6: 27, Luke 12: 25)
  
• The worries of this world choke the word (Matthew 13: 22, Luke 8: 14)
  
• Do not be weighed down by the worries of life (Luke 21: 34)
  
• Do not let your heart be troubled (John 14: 1)
  
• Do not be anxious (Luke 12: 29)
  
• I want you to be free of anxiety (1 Corinthians 7: 32)
  
• Cast your anxiety on him (1 Peter 5: 7)
  

ROGETS THESAURUS OF THE BIBLE

Faith Gives Us Access

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the Promised Land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God." (Hebrews 11: 8-10)

By faith I embarked on the Enterprise. I set out without knowing what I was going to do. By faith I stayed in the land as if it was not the Promised Land. I lived in "tents." I looked forward to the city with foundation, designed and built by God.

Abraham went out not knowing where he was going: But God knows the destination. Abraham showed the obedience of faith and God counted it in his favor. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in "tents." Jesus Christ lived in "tents." (Matthew 8: 20; Luke 9: 58). No condition is permanent and this world is a tent for every living person. God has prepared a homeland for all of us. (Hebrews 11: 16)

Prepare yourself for action

"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19)

When I read the above scripture ten years ago, I appropriated it immediately and confided the reflection below to my journal:

"How do I prepare myself for action?

• Prayer
  
• Eucharist
  
• Word of God
  
• Ministry
  
• Study
  

What is the fruit of preparation?

• At the right time, you will stand up and tell them all that I command you.
  
• You will have no fear of them for God will make you fearless in their presence.
  
• They will certainly try to terrorize you and discourage you. Resist it for if you let yourself be broken before them, I will break you before their eyes. I rebuke temerity in those who know me.
  
• You will be a pillar of iron.
  
• You will be a wall of bronze.
  
• Be prepared to stand against the whole country if I ask you.
  
• They will fight against you but will never overcome you.
  

For I am with you to rescue you, Yahweh declares."

Give

"Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap; because the standard you use will be the standard used for you." (Luke 6: 38)

I discovered only recently that I have the gift of intercessory prayer. A couple of months ago, I attended a weekend workshop called "Call and Gift." During the workshop, participants were encouraged to make an inventory of their gifts. I have known for some time that I love to pray. I love the Mass; I love saying the Rosary. I enjoy communal prayers like the Divine Office. But it never occurred to me to add up all these likings and draw their appropriate conclusion from it: gift. Reviewing my journal entry of 1997, ten years ago, I found that I confided the reflection below on Luke 6: 38.

"What can I give now?

• Compassion, forgiveness
  
• Prayers/Intercession
  
• Talent in publishing Christ
  
• Time
  
• Letter apostolate
  

Daniel, a captive in Babylon gave to his people at their hour of great need a noble gift. He interceded for them before God. Prayer is the key. I can imitate Daniel."

 

Intercessory Prayer

"O my Lord, God great and to be feared, you keep the covenant and show faithful love towards those who love you and who observe your commandments." (Daniel 9: 4)

In Daniel 9: 4 – 10, I see the young prophet exercising the office of the priest. He intercedes on behalf of his people and stood in the gap for them. I can do the same. O Holy Spirit, use my gift of intercessory prayer as you wish. Lead me, guide me and use me.

If God is for us

"If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that he who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for the sake of us all will not grant us all things besides?" (Romans 8: 31 – 32)

This is an incredible logic. To demonstrate his love and concern for you, God gave up his son, Jesus Christ. Now, what can be more valuable than his son, Jesus? In other words, God wants us to put his Son on one side of the scale and whatever desire or hope we have on the other side. How does that tally? The answer is clear. In giving us his Son, Jesus, God has given us everything.

I know for certain that God is for me in the Enterprise. I will fear nothing. I trust his wisdom and power. Every day, I am getting more and more ready to trust and to obey.