Worry as False Care
Before you begin: Please read the Introduction — How to Practice the Gospel Exercises
Reflection on (Mt 6:25–34, Mt 16:23–26, Lk 10:38–42, Lk 12:22–34)
Prayer
Holy Spirit, please teach me to entrust my worries into the hands of the heavenly Father. Free me from anxiety and grant me trust that the Father knows what I need. May my heart seek first Your Kingdom and rest in the peace of Christ.
Amen.
Reflection
Worry is one of the most common forms of inner unfreedom. At first glance it may appear as “responsible care” — after all, we must think about the future, provide for ourselves, and plan. But Jesus reveals that worry is, in fact, an expression of little faith.
The Father Cares for Everything We Need
In Mt 6:25–34 and Lk 12:22–34 Jesus points out that nature is a living witness to the Father’s care: birds that neither sow nor reap are fed; flowers that do not labor are clothed in beauty. And we are far more valuable. Worry adds nothing to our lives — on the contrary, it robs us of peace and joy.
False Concern for One’s Own Life
In Mt 16:23–26 Jesus points to a deeper level of worry — the desire to preserve one’s life at any cost. Peter, who cannot accept Jesus’ suffering, is called “Satan,” because he thinks in human terms, not in God’s. Whoever tries to save their life for themselves loses it. True concern should be directed toward the salvation of the soul — everything else is secondary.
Martha and Mary as an Image of Two Attitudes
In Lk 10:38–42 Martha represents a person overwhelmed by duties, restless and irritated. Mary symbolizes the one who chooses “the one thing necessary” — she remains with Christ and listens to His word. Worry pulls us away from closeness to the Lord, while trust draws us to Him.
True Care Is Care for the Kingdom of God
Jesus does not call us to irresponsibility or passivity, but to right priorities: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” (Mt 6:33) True care consists in seeking God. He will take care of the rest.
Christ’s Peace Instead of Anxiety
Worry is deceptive — it pretends to be care, but in reality it robs us of freedom, trust, and peace. Jesus invites us to a life of faith: to surrender ourselves to the Father who knows and loves us. Where Christ is our treasure, we find a peace the world cannot give or take away.
Discernment
Let us reflect: Where in my life does my concern turn into worry that robs me of peace? Are there areas where I try to keep everything under control — the future, relationships, work, health — and yet inside I feel unrest and fear?
Let us recall situations when we allowed ourselves to be consumed by anxieties and forgot to seek first God’s Kingdom. Where did we trust our own plans and abilities more than the Father’s care?
In prayer, let us entrust to Jesus the specific things that weigh on us — name them before Him and ask Him to give us trust and freedom. Let us learn to place our worries into His hands with the certainty that He knows what we need even before we speak it.
Commission
In the coming week, I will deliberately notice the moments when unrest and worry enter me. Then I will pause and pray a short prayer of surrender:
“Father, You know what I need. I trust You.”
In this way I will learn to entrust my worries to Christ and seek first God’s Kingdom.
Prayer
Our Father…