The Anxieties of Life

Gospel: Luke 21: 34-36

In today’s reading Jesus tells us not to be overwhelmed and distracted by the anxieties of life, a very difficult task for most of us.  It is an easy trap for us to find ourselves in.  We have many cares to attend – family, upkeep of home, car, computer, phones, and the like.  All of the so-called “time saving devices” we have been required to have in life are in reality more a prison than a liberator of time. 

It requires great discernment and constant, regular prayer in order to be free from these anxieties of life.  We can help ourselves a great deal by not living a life of consumerism.  If we instead lead a life of simplicity, having as few possessions as possible, we will find that our time is not being monopolized by the many unimportant things of life.  We are free to pray and meditate, free to read and think, free to exercise our agency in the world with positive purpose. 

When the tribulations of life do come, we will find that they are in fact illusory in nature, that they are not real but mental creations brought on by our attachments to all these things that are in truth unnecessary.  We will then not act out of fear but out of love and generous spirit of mercy and service to others who struggle with these tribulations.