In the late 80s, singer-songwriter Bobby McFerrin had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Top 100 chart. His upbeat ditty was aptly titled "Don't Worry, Be Happy," and the lyrics included common, everyday problems, such as; Ain't got no cash, ain’t got no style; or, The landlord say your rent is late, he may have to litigate, followed by a chorus of Don't worry, be happy.

One has to wonder if Mr. McFerrin was influenced by today’s Gospel and the admonition to not be anxious. Especially when he sings, Now listen to what I said, in your life expect some trouble, But when you worry, you make it double. Or as Matthew said, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.

Sadly, we live in a world where there is much to worry about. Globally, we are confronted with wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Sudan; droughts ravaging much of Africa, leading to famine; proliferation of gangs and war lords displacing governments; human trafficking; and the billions who live each day of their all too short lives in abject poverty.

Life itself can be overwhelming. There are plenty of negative events each of us may face, including the death of a loved one, a divorce, losing one’s job, a serious medical diagnosis, or financial hardship.

Societal pressures can also lead to one feeling stressed and not in control. How are we perceived because of physical appearance? Is the car we are driving too old? Are we living in the “toney” zip code? Are we being politically correct? The list is endless.

With so much heaped upon us, where do we turn? To whom do we ask for help and guidance? Our family and friends can be a great source of support, but the best thing to do is to take our worries to the Lord. Let God know what is overwhelming you. Share your fears and anxieties with God and ask him to take them from you.
In your prayer today, acknowledge that in all things it is God who is in control, and that because of his infinite love for each of us, and because he accepts us regardless of our frailties and faults, we need not worry. With this burden off our shoulders, we can live a joyful life serving the Lord.

As a reminder, perhaps today, when we do our Daily Examen of Conscience, we might pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in our lives, and realize that God is present and at our side each and every step we take, ready to protect us from our worries.

As Ruth Bell Graham says: “I (have) learned that worship and worry cannot live in the same heart: they are mutually exclusive.”