Reflection: Matthew 6:19-23

11th Friday in Ordinary Time – Matthew 6:19-23

Today Jesus warns his listeners not to store up treasure for themselves while they are on earth. The reality is that our earthly treasures may be stolen or they decay or we may get bored with them. Look around the room you are sitting in. Is there an item in that room that truly is a treasure for you? Or is most of it simply what we need to live in some comfort?

The day we die, we will leave all of our earthly treasures behind. We cannot take them with us to heaven nor to hell. Jesus’ desire for us is that we store up what is lasting, what will never decay. Jesus desires that we store up the treasure that will never fail us: the gift and grace of love! God is made for love: love of God, Jesus and the Spirit and love of other frail human beings!

Why is it that so many of us accumulate stuff? Is it for our comfort, security, pleasure or status? Why do I think I need so much? Deep within, we realize that earthly treasure truly does not give us love nor security. Only God can give us true security! Our greatest need is love: love from God and from the people in our lives. A diamond, a large house or a fast car can never love us. Yet many of us continue to desire “more.”

Today, stop and ask yourself: who and what is the real treasure/s in your life? I invite you to write these treasures down. It may be only a few people or things. However, it is a gift to appreciate the true and lasting treasures in our lives. Then give thanks to God for these wondrous gifts you have been gifted with. God appreciates a simple “thank you!”