Seek THE first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
I am quoting a foundational verse from the Gospel of Matthew:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
This verse sits at the heart of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and speaks deeply to the First Principle and Foundation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: that we are created to praise, reverence, and serve God — and by doing so, to save our souls.
Reflective Meaning
To “seek first the kingdom of God” is to orient your entire life around God’s will and God’s presence — not as an afterthought, but as your first pursuit. Righteousness here refers to a right relationship — with God, with others, and within yourself. It’s not just moral behavior, but a full-hearted alignment with divine love.
Ignatian Lens for Prayer and Contemplation
If you’re open to a contemplative prayer on this verse, here’s a gentle structure:
Contemplative Prayer: Seeking First the Kingdom
- Prepare the space — Find a quiet place. Take a few deep breaths and become aware of God’s presence.
- Read the verse slowly —
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”
Read it a few times, slowly. Let it settle in your heart. - Imaginative Contemplation — Picture yourself in the crowd, hearing Jesus speak these words.
- What do His eyes look like as He speaks?
- How do the words feel as they land in your soul?
- Ask yourself:
- What am I seeking first in my life?
- Where does God’s kingdom manifest in my daily choices?
- What might God be inviting me to shift, reprioritize, or let go of?
- Respond — Speak honestly with God about what came up. Ask for the grace to desire Him above all things.
- Rest — Spend a few moments resting in silence, letting God’s love surround you.
Featured image
The featured image seeks to capture the spirit of Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”:
- Heavenward Horizon: The picture draws the eye upward, inviting you to lift your gaze beyond the immediate concerns of life toward God’s kingdom.
- Light & Path: A pathway bathed in gentle light symbolizes the journey of seeking God first—each step guided by grace.
- Stillness & Hope: The calm and open landscape speaks of peace that comes from entrusting our cares to God, knowing that “all these things” will be provided.
Feel free to spend a few minutes looking quietly at the image. Notice where it draws your attention, or any stirrings in your heart. You might even begin a short prayer like:
