Last week the stock market took another plunge. Economists are predicting economical instability especially in Europe because of the Ukraine war. The conditions of the world are ideal for us to put our “worry machines” into motion. What will we eat, what will we drink, how will be pay our bills, who will protect us? How easy it is to slide into the habit of worry even though Jesus promised he would take care of us.
Today is the feast day of the great Francis of Assisi. Talk about a non-worrier. He gave up money, food, and even clothes to follow Jesus. Francis lives the life of a beggar, depending totally on the generosity of others and the providence of God for his sustenance. Being caught up in the things of God, Francis didn’t dwell too much on the things of this earth. Jesus was enough for him and his followers. Were there times in which he was hungry? Were there times in which he was cold? Were there times when friends abandoned him? I’m sure there were. But was there a time when Jesus wasn’t close to him? Never!
Considering the instability of our times and what seems to be a decline in our culture, St. Francis steps in and talks to us about trusting in God. He reminds us that Jesus is enough.
It is fitting that we read the Martha and Mary story today (Luke 10:38-42).
“(Martha) had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.’ The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.”
Martha spent her time worrying about getting things done. Mary spent her time enjoying the presence of Jesus. Which do you think was happier? It is easy to tell someone “Don’t worry things will get better,” but, for a worrier, it is not easy to follow this advice.
The basic issue is trust. On what or whom do we depend on to have our needs met? We depend on a stable government to protect us and provide for us. When the government begins to quake, our “worry machine” kicks in. We depend on Church to keep us right with God, and when church attendance lessens and numbers of priests diminish, we have something else to worry about. It is natural to trust in our government, our Church, our family members, and even our own resourcefulness. All of these, however, can collapse. Even family members can desert us or turn against us, and aging can rob us of our self-reliance and resourcefulness. Lots to worry about. Yet, our gift of faith, tells us that we can turn to Jesus anytime we want to, and he will never abandon us. Jesus is near us waiting for us to turn to him for help.
Simplicity is a gift that we see in Francis of Assisi. He was able to keep Jesus Christ as the focus of his life and not be sidetracked by the ups-and-downs of this world. During a time in which fear arises so easily in people, let us remind ourselves that “There is need of only one thing.” Jesus is enough and he will be with us especially during the storms of life.
St. Francis teach us how to trust in Jesus.
