2 Chronicles 24: 17-25; Psalm 89; Matthew 6: 24-34
In the New Testament we often hear of the stoning of the prophets and today Chronicles narrates the stoning of Zechariah. God sent the people prophets to bring them back but they would not listen. Unlike Jesus, unlike Stephen, Zechariah cries out in death: "May the Lord see and avenge!" The gospel continues Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, so centered on trusting our provident God to feed and clothe us. No need to worry. Seek God, Jesus urges, and everything else will be given you. The Alleluia verse gives us the reason: "Jesus Christ was rich, but he became poor, to make you rich out of his poverty."
How has your trust in providence worked out for you? What do you do when worry creeps into your mind and into your heart? What has been your experience or lack of Jesus; making you rich out of his poverty? Don't just think material poverty, but also his repudiation, the injustice he suffered (and not just in the last few hours of his life. For example, when he went to raise Jairus' daughter, they "laughed him to scorn.") And you? Do you want vengeance, maybe just a little? Or will you share the poverty of Jesus? If you don't want to, quote Augustine at him: "Make me_____, but not yet."
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts your very own. Let us show kindness, gentleness, care even and especially for those who hurt us or anger us. Give us your patient love please!