Reflection on readings for January 31st

Our second reading for this Sunday begins with St. Paul stating, “I should like you to be free of anxieties.” He then speaks of how unmarried people are anxious “about the things of the Lord.” Married people are “anxious about the things of the world.” Confusing? Maybe. My guess is that the word “anxious” has a different flavor, depending on the context. What I think is more helpful is to acknowledge when we are anxious. We ask what is most likely the cause of feeling anxious. If there is something practical we can do about it, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to take action. If there is nothing we can do about it, we allow God to remind us that despite our anxiety we continue to be loved.