In the First Reading, Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest, warns the people that when they desert the Lord, God will also desert them. Yes, it is true in our age and time too; when we turn away from God, we put ourselves away from God. In this manner, God has deserted us.

Similarly in the Gospel, Jesus warns us that we cannot be the slave both of God and of money. When we are slaves to money, we turn our backs on God. We focus more on hoarding material wealth rather than recognising the spiritual and eternal God. In this way, God has retreated from us.

Furthermore, by doing so, we worry more about life, that is, what we are to eat and what we are to wear. It becomes an unending worry and unnecessary anxiety. To this worrisome attitude, Jesus highlights, "Surely life means more than food, and the body more than clothing!" Indeed, the Father knows we need them all, but He takes care of us, just like He takes care of the birds in the sky and flowers in the fields. How consoling to know that we are worth much more than them. What is needed for our part is trust and faith in God. Let us set our hearts on God's kingdom first, and on His righteousness, and all these other things will be given to us as well.