What things and issues make you anxious? How does this anxiety affect you? What is the Lord telling you? Do you fear death? Why? - Daily Reflections June 20,2015

CONQUERING THE EVIL CALLED “ANXIETY”

 

Four times, Jesus refers to anxiety in the excerpt that we read today from the Sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes. Jesus defines what kinds of anxiety is He referring to as “evil.” There is the worry about life (its past sins, its present concerns, its future demands and outcomes). This is oftentimes the ill experience of people who are so concerned about being self-righteous. They end up with disturbed spirits and scrupulous consciences that often make them resort to a lot of external religious pietism. There is the worry about necessities for life (food and drink). This affects people who are gluttons. They often end up obese. There is the worry about one’s body (appearances and looks). This is the anxiety of those who are too vain. They often resort to all kinds of aesthetic treatments and then end up looking “too made up to the point of not looking human anymore.” Jesus says there is also the “evil  anxiety” of worrying too much about one’s health and lifespan. This includes the phenomena of people drinking all kinds of supplements, vitamins, herbals — resorting to all kinds of therapies. They chase after the newest “health secret.” Underneath their worry about lifespan is a fear of death.

       Jesus prescribes a “faith solution” to all the above forms of anxiety.

       First, always meditate on the flow of nature and creation. Realize that God looks after everything — in His Providence. Second, be inspired by natural beauty. Nature, in its random unpredictable composition, carries with it a certain artistic balance and harmony. Third, know that nothing is impossible with God. Fourth, live each day well — with joy and with your best. Don’t drink and gulp but savor each moment. Fifth, do not overextend yourself. Know your limits. Learn to make a “cut-off” in your works and concerns. Tomorrow is in God’s mercy and grace. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What things and issues make you anxious? How does this anxiety affect you? What is the Lord telling you? Do you fear death? Why?

 

Calm my fears and anxieties, Lord. Strengthen my faith in Your sovereignty.