In everything we do in our lives we set priorities. Whether it is to look out for the well being of our children before our own needs, or to save money for vacation, or whether to sleep in on Sunday or attend Divine Liturgy. We all prioritize on a daily basis. The Gospel of Matthew beautifully instructs us how to prioritize things and assures us that our needs will be looked after.

"But see ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all thse things shall be added unto you." (Mt. 6:33)

Henri J. M. Nouwen, in his book, Making All Things New, states the following with regard to priorities: "It is important for us to realize that Jesus in no way wants us to leave our many faceted  world. Rather, He wants us to live in it, but firmly rooted in the center of all things. Jesus does not speak about a change of activities, a change in contacts, or even a change in pace. He speaks about a change of heart. This change of heart makes everything different, even while everything appears to remain the same.... What counts is where our hearts are. When we worry, we have our hearts in the wrong place. Jesus asks us to move our hearts to the center, where all other things fall into place."

Have you ever noticed how some things in life, when they’re right, just seem to fall into place? Things that fall into place happen naturally, without difficulty. When we worry, we know our hearts are not in the center, or at a spiritual balancing point, and our worries interfere with the natural order of our lives according to God’s will. The remedy for constant worry is to allow our Risen Lord to help us guide and direct our lives. This is done through constant prayer, and by relinquishing of our own will, and asking Jesus to keep us centered.

It is my prayer that all of you allow our Risen Lord and Savior to lead you to your center where you will find peace and freedom from worry

In Christ’s Service,

Fr. Stelios N. Sitaras