2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
Psalm 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18
Mt 6:19-23 Full Readings
Store Up Treasures in Heaven
Brethren, as human beings, planning for the future is part of us and in fact one who does not think about the future is half human. In this way, many people invest in many things and store many treasures for themselves to use them in the future or to be used by their children and the following generations. It's tempting to say that most of these investments and preparations for the future are mostly in material things here on earth. Some of us, if we have succeeded to store many treasures here in heaven, we think that is this is the end. However, Jesus in the gospel challenges this, not only to store material things but above all to store ourselves treasure in heaven. Earthly treasures are not everlasting because they pass away, moth and decay destroy them, and thieves break in and steal them. If these are taken away from us, will we still have any hope in life and after life? That's why Jesus tells us to store our treasures in heaven where they will be safe for eternity.
Therefore brethren, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.” God created man for greatness, so it is true to our nature to seek greatness. In the world, greatness often means financial prosperity and its usual accompaniment of earthly possessions. It is not immoral to be wealthy, as long as it is accrued ethically and its use includes the good of others. But if earthly possessions become the ultimate goal of our happiness, then we miss out on the treasure God desires for us. This treasure is God himself. We are called to trust, not in our wealth or comforts, but in God’s providence. St. Paul explains, “I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Philippians 4:12-13).
“But store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.” The heavenly treasure Jesus spoke of is a reward for those who have lived their lives virtuously as a preparation for eternity. And we can experience a taste of these treasures here and now, as we grow in our relationship with God. The Catechism explains, “The human virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance) are rooted in the theological virtues (Faith, Hope, Charity), which adapt man’s faculties for participation in the divine nature: for the theological virtues relate directly to God. They dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. They have the One and Triune God for their origin, motive, and object (CCC 1812).” Simply put, “The goal of the virtuous life is to become like God” (St. Gregory of Nyssa).
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Consider that our hearts are like bank vaults where we keep our treasure. To adequately discern how much value we put on our treasure, both earthly and heavenly, we ponder what it is we love and what we would do if we lost it. If wealth was taken away, would we keep our faith in God’s providence? If we lost our health or the health of a loved one, would we continue to hope in God’s goodness? If any of our less tangible earthly treasures (reputation, relationships, social standing) were compromised, would we walk in justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance as God’s trusting child, forgiving and giving to those who oppose us? Our Lord is presenting very sobering teaching to help us discern if we are on the narrow road that leads to life (see Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus, the light of the world, leads the way to all treasures, both earthly and heavenly. Are we following him?
Seekers of great treasure will go to any length to receive their reward. They direct all their energies and resources to obtain the treasure. We instinctively direct our energies and resources - an even our whole lives - towards that which we most value. To set one's heart on heavenly treasure is to enter into a deeper and richer life with God himself. It is only by letting go of false treasure that one can enter into the joy of a heavenly treasure that is immeasurable and worth more than we can give in exchange. Do you seek the treasure which lasts for eternity?
Christ encourages us to use the lamp of our body, our eyes, to help in storing our treasures in heaven. One of the most easiest way to store our treasures in heaven is through LOVE. We are to use our eyes not only to see the light of Christ but also to see where our love and charity is needed. Therefore in this passage we ought to understand the eye as the intention with which we perform all our actions. If this intention is pure and upright and directing its gaze where it ought to be directed, then unfailingly all our works are good works, because they are performed in accordance with that intention. Where do your eyes lead you and direct your heart too, and vice versa, where does your heart direct your eyes to see and look at? Let us pray that every thing we do and think of may be directed to storing our treasures in heaven.
Let us Pray
Lord, I love many things, but I want to love you above them all. I know I am to love the Giver more than the many temporal and spiritual gifts you have given me. Come Holy Spirit and show me what I am to do to remain in your light. Amen
Be Blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment