Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scriptural passages <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st reading 2 Cor. 12:1-10. Psalm 33. Gospel Mt. 6:24-34.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theme: Do Not Worry About Your Life<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you wear” (Mt. 6:25). The Master is asking us to put our hope and confidence in divine providence. The Lord went on to tell us about the birds of the sky, they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. This is why the scripture tells us that the just shall live by faith (Heb.10:38). In the first reading the apostle Paul spoke about his divine encounter and revelation. This too is an experience of the works of God. As a result of these experiences, that he might not be too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to him, an angel of Satan to beat him, to keep him from being too elated. When he prayed that it be taken away from him, the Lord told him, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:1-10). In the journey of life the Lord allows us to go through trials and challenges but he is very much with us. When we pass through tribulations, we should always look up for divine intervention and assistance. We should not focus on our problem otherwise, we may enter into despair and anxiety. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should not worry about our lives and how to overcome anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why You Should Not Worry About Your Life <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, this is the will of God for each and everyone of us (Mt. 6:25). The Lord wants you to trust him and put your hope in him. The scripture tells us, blessed is he who put his hope in God (Jer. 17:7). The Lord demands and asks us not to worry about our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, you should not worry about your life because the Lord loves and cares for you. The scripture tells us that God loves us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). The love of God is what sustains us. You should always remember that the Lord loves you dearly and personally. Do not be agitated over your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, you should not worry about your life because the Lord is our Father. As a Father provides for his children so will our heavenly Father provide for you. The scripture tells us that our help is in the name of the Lord (Psalm 121:2). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, you should not worry because the Lord is with us. The scripture tells us, if the Lord is for you who can be against you (Rom. 8:31). The Lord promised that he will be with us till the end of time (Mt. 28:20). This is why you should not worry about your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, you should not worry about your life because the Lord is capable of solving all our concerns and challenges. The scripture tells us that all powers in heaven and earth have been given to Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:18). The Lord has everything it takes to save us. He has the good will and the authority to turn your water into wine. This is why you should not be afraid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Overcome Worries <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, you need to have faith in Christ Jesus. The scripture tells us that our victory over the world is our faith in Christ Jesus (1 Jn. 5:4-5). With faith you can triumph over difficult situations. The Master told us, everything is possible for the one who has faith (Mk. 9:23). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, you can overcome worries by fixing your gaze in heaven (Col. 3:1-2). Do not focus your energy on your resources and fellow human being. The scripture says that our help is in the name of the Lord. When you look at your strength, you may become afraid and worried but when you look up to Jesus, you gain confidence to overcome your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, you should take one day at a time. This is one of the secrets to inner peace and happiness. The Master taught us not to worry about tomorrow that tomorrow will take care of itself (Mt 6:24). This means we should take one day at a time. If you focus on tomorrow you will not enjoy today. Do everything possible to live well today and leave tomorrow for God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, you can overcome worries by living a life of virtue and holiness. When your conscience is at peace, you find inner joy and strength to move on. A life of holiness and righteousness is your biggest safety net. The scripture says that the name of the Lord is a strong tower and the just man runs into it and is safe (Prov.18:10). If you trust God and do good you will dwell in the land and be secured (Psalm 37:3). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, you should reconcile with your neighbour. Try to seek peace with people around you. If you offend someone go and reconcile with the person. Living in unity and harmony with people is a powerful means of overcoming fear and anxiety. Be at peace with yourself. Be at peace with your neighbour. Be at peace with God. This will surely lead you to inner joy and fulfillment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prayers <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord, help us to overcome fears and worries. Lord, deliver us from temptation and sin. Lord, give us the grace of understanding and wisdom. Lord, help us to love one another. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With lots of prayers and love.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP Scriptural passages 1st reading 2 Cor. 12:1-10. Psalm […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":308,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-year-i-2025"],"yoast_head":"\n