January 12, 2016 - Tuesday

The LORD makes poor and makes rich,
humbles, and also exalts.
He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap lifts up the poor,
To seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage.
“For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s,
and he has set the world upon them. (1 Samuel 2:7-8 NABRE)

It is so easy to forget what really matters! We live surrounded by affluence and opportunity. We live comfortably. We live with the allures of this world's finest temptations all easily within reach. And we begin to believe we deserve it. We are tempted to believe we've earned it. We are prone to believe we should get credit for our many advantages in life. And we are deceived.

In fact, to God, none of these concerns addresses what is truly important. He is not deceived like us. Imagine it: He owns everything. He needs nothing from us. He created this little world. He sustains this little speck in the cosmos. He even exceeds our understanding of time. Yet in his infinite nature, he loves us. He loves you and he loves me too! His concern is for the poor and the needy. These are the things that matter most to God. They should matter most to us too.

And so why do we chase after what does not matter, while at the same time neglecting what does?


Today, I will examine each thing I chase after, to see if it is worth chasing.


Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, whose life is a reminder to us not to become discouraged when plans we think God must endorse are frustrated, pray for us.