Feeling Anxious? Go to Mass this weekend

Or, you know…to wherever you prefer to go to worship.

If you’re feeling anxious, particularly about the uncertainty (and lack of trust) of our economy, our government or even the integrity of our electoral process, then this would be a good weekend to go to church. Step out of isolation and into the more communal mode. I just read Deacon Greg’s homily for this weekend, and yes, there is a lot of consolation to be found in the readings, but also in seeing Christ in each other – in marveling not at the big ways we’re all sinners, that’s easy to do, but in the little ways in which we are all saints. As the Deacon says:

…around the country, millions of us are watching other investments disappear. A New York banking executive was interviewed, and he said: “The worst thing that is happening right now is that there’s no trust, no faith in the system as a whole.”

No trust. No faith.

If there is one clear message we get from the readings this weekend, it is not to abandon faith…but to embrace it. But don’t invest it in financial institutions that collapse. Don’t even invest it in a vineyard – where, as the gospel warns, tenants may kill the owner’s son.

Put your faith someplace better.

“Have no anxiety at all,” Paul writes to the Philippians. “But in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Mind you, this was written by a man who was in prison, and had good reason to have a lot of anxiety. But what moved Paul and uplifted him was his concern and love for the people of Philippi.

And he urged them, simply, to pray.

You’ll want to read the whole thing. And there is always, this, too.