Mental Health Day & the Sermon on the Mount

 

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, 

what you will eat or what you will drink,

 or about your body, what you will wear. 

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?...

“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. 

Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6: 25, 34 NRSV

 Yesterday the Thanksgiving Sunday lectionary gospel reading was from the Sermon on the Mount . Jesus encourages his listeners, most of whom would be peasants, to live beyond worry, a word which is used five times, just in case we don't get it the first time. Rev. Isaac offered a thoughtful message, appropriate for our Canadian Thanksgiving and the whole service wa uplifting. 

Yesterday was also World Mental Health Day, with its purpose of raising awareness of what seems to be the rising tide of anxiety and mental illness.  Some might suggest that Jesus' "don't worry, be happy" outlook is not helpful for those in the grip of worry and anxiety. There is plenty of evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of millions of individuals who feel isolated and fearful. This Thanksgiving many families have been dealing with the stress of those who aren't at the dinner table because of issues around vaccines.

During the pandemic many faith communities have struggled to discern the most helpful ways of supporting members whose isolation appears to have heightened anxiety or hastened dementia. Clergy have been left exhausted by the toll of doing ministry in such demanding times.Despite these challenges, congregations everywhere are reaching out, providing practical support, upholding others in prayer. 

As I listened to the passage yesterday I found it reassuring rather than insensitive. I don't think Jesus is dismissing the reality of worry. He is naming how corrosive it can be and how looking to an unpredictable tomorrow can rob us of the joy of this moment, which is what we have been given. We really don't know what tomorrow will bring. 

There are times when I awaken in the wee hours of the morning when all the concerns of my life and the world are amplfied. I am adept at worrying about a veritable cornucopia of things which never come to pass.  I have several little faith mantras which I repeat for consolation, including the first verse of the old children's hymn, "Jesus Loves Me." 

There are also the verses from the apostle Paul's letter to the Christians in Philippi, written when he was under house arrest. As with Jesus' words, I find a comfort and peace and even joy for the moment. The peace of Christ be with you this Thanksgiving. 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.  

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phiilippians 4:4-7