June 21, St. Aloysius Gonzaga 

For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.-- Psalm 89:29

Mass readings: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25 / Matthew 6:24-34

Whom Shall We Serve?

The first verse of today's Gospel reading holds the key to the entire passage: ''No one can serve two masters. . . . You cannot serve God and mammon.'' ''Serve'' (douleuein) actually means ''be a slave to.'' Imagine the dilemma of a slave whose masters give him contradictory orders. Jesus uses several poetic images (birds, flowers) to drive home the point that His disciples face such a dilemma. They must choose.

Jesus doesn't mean that all ''mammon'' (possessions, wealth) is evil. Disciples can't be totally passive; Jesus expects us to take care of ourselves and those who depend on us. The very strong Greek word for ''worry'' means something like ''let preoccupation consume you.'' Excessive accumulation of material goods won't ease our way to heaven; it may even make it more difficult.

Prayer: Jesus, Lord and Master, let me hear Your voice and always follow it.