Don't worry: 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time

            I’m going to begin with a little lesson of psychology.  In saying this, I am not claiming to be a psychologist but remember an insightful model from my days in college.  I think this will help set the stage for our readings. 

            The model comes from Erik Erikson’s attempt to categorize the social development of a person.  He argues that, throughout a person’s life, one faces a set of either/or situations that must be met for maturation.  Babies must learn to trust or they get stuck in distrust.  Elementary students grow in industry (making friends, completing tasks at school) or feel inferior.  High school students battle between identity and confusion.  I see this clearly as our high schoolers are anxious about where they will be next year.  Young adults often seek intimacy or face isolation and adults become generative (in family life or careers) or remain stagnant.  Finally, seniors look back on life with integrity or despair.

            Taking this model to spiritual side of life—no matter what age we are, we face either peace/contentment or worry/anxiety.  God wants us to experience the first.

            What worries you today?  As a child, do you worry about fitting in or meeting standards for school or sports?  Young adults—are you anxious about meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right, succeeding in school or finding your place in the world?  Parents, how often do you worry about your children, finances or career?

            Our readings this morning give a clear theme of resting in God’s peace.  These passages are a place to go when facing any worry or anxiety in our lives.  This is especially true for you if you are facing anxiety outside the normal experience (through general anxiety, depression, OCD, etc.).  In addition to using the resources God has given to help us be healthy in body, mind and soul (doctors, psychologists and counselors, spiritual guides) the Scriptures can heal us from needless worry.

Could a mother forget her baby?  Even if she could, God will never forget you.  In the Psalm we prayed, “Rest in God alone, my soul.”  And Jesus gives us the greatest comfort in his teaching.  God takes care of the flowers in the field and birds in the air.  Of course he will take care of you!  “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given you besides.  Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.”

            God wants us to experience the peace of mind that only he can give.  He does not want us to be anxious.  I pray you find comfort in these readings and at Mass this morning and, brothers and sisters, peace be with you.