GOSPEL THOUGHTS
*Ordinary Season: Twenty Third Week : Sunday*
*Gospel : Mt 6.24-34*
*First Reading : Wisdom 13:1-9*
*Responsorial Psalm : 19:2-6*
*Second Reading: Col 1:15-20*
*Care of Creation Sunday*
*1) Creation as a Teacher*
Jesus invites us to look at the birds and the lilies—not just to admire them, but to learn from them.
Nature is not merely a backdrop for human life; it models a way of being:
Birds do not hoard, yet they are fed.
Lilies do not labor, yet they are clothed in beauty.
On Care of Creation Sunday, this invites us to ask: What is creation teaching us about dependence on God, simplicity, and freedom from consumerism?
*2) The Problem of Serving “Mammon”*
Environmental degradation is often driven by systems that prioritize profit ("mammon") over sustainability and justice.
Jesus warns against this:
"You cannot serve both God and money." (v. 24)
Serving God includes loving what God made.
When economies exploit the Earth as a resource to be used up, rather than a gift to be stewarded, we are serving mammon—not the Creator.
*3) Freedom from Anxiety = Freedom to Care*
Environmental collapse can cause deep eco-anxiety.
Jesus doesn’t dismiss worry lightly but redirects it:
He calls for trust in God's provision.
He challenges us not to be consumed by the fear that drives overconsumption.
This doesn't mean we ignore climate change or injustice.
Rather, we work for creation's healing not from panic, but from faith, love, and hope rooted in God’s care for all creation.
*4) Seeking First the Kingdom*
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..." (v. 33)
The kingdom of God includes peace, justice, and right relationships—with God, with neighbor, and with the Earth.
To seek God's kingdom is to seek climate justice.
To seek God's righteousness is to act with compassion, restraint, and stewardship.
*5) Interdependence and Community*
While not directly stated in the text, nature shows us how every part of creation is interconnected.
Birds rely on ecosystems; lilies depend on soil, sun, and rain.
We, too, are part of the web of life. To damage creation is to harm ourselves.
Nature teaches us humility—that we are not above creation, but within it.
*6) Freedom from Worry*
“Do not worry about tomorrow...…..Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Nature exists in the present. Trees, rivers, animals—they respond to each moment without fear of the future.
This teaches us to practice presence, and not to be ruled by anxiety.
Living in harmony with creation often means slowing down, being attentive, and trusting God in the now.
*7) God’s Care for All Creation (v. 26, 30)*
God’s care is not limited to humanity—God loves and provides for all creation.
If God values birds and wildflowers, then we, as followers of Christ, are called to value them too.
This is a call to stewardship, not dominance—a reminder that caring for the Earth is part of our spiritual vocation.
*8) Important Lessons*
*A) Simplicity and Trust* :
Birds live without anxiety about the future. They do not hoard or obsess over material security, yet God provides for them.
This teaches us to live simply, trust God’s provision, and let go of excessive worry about material things.
*B) Contentment and Beauty*
Lilies do not strive to make themselves beautiful—it is a gift from their Creator.
This invites us to appreciate the natural beauty of creation as a reflection of God's glory and to embrace a life of contentment rather than striving for status or wealth.
*Think about it*
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim DSouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
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