1 Peter 5: 5b-14
Beloved: And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Worry Is Useless
Today’s reading from St. Peter is one where I think: this doesn’t need a homily; it doesn’t need a reflection. We just need to read through it once more, maybe twice more. It’s all there. Peter gives such clear and simple, albeit difficult, directives.
I will highlight just one: “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”
Blessed Solanus Casey has a great line about worry. He says, “Worry is a weakness from which very few of us are entirely free. We must be on guard against this most insidious enemy of our peace of soul. Instead let us foster confidence in God, and thank him ahead of time for whatever he chooses to send us.”
Worry is useless. Throw it all on God and thank him for whatever he is planning to give you today.
When it comes, whatever it is, you’ll be more ready to take it as a blessing.
—Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ, is a Jesuit of the Midwest Province; he writes on Substack at From Every Side and currently studies at Boston College.
Prayer
Lord, there are so many times when worry creeps into my mind. Help me to recognize it when it comes, and place it in your hands. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team