Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30
Matthew 6:7-15
Reflection:
At times it can be hard to let go of what we know and have grown accustomed to. For some of us it is the comforts of our home, or knowing that we are financially sound. We love or long for having the ability to buy the latest phone, clothes and luxuries. But do these things keep us from our Lord? Do we allow these items to "darken our world"?
At times, being of this world can jade us. We put our faith in things that we can see, and not on that which is unseen. But is that not what our faith is all about? We are called to believe in things that are not of this world. We are called to store up our heavenly treasures because in the end this is what we will rely on.
During times of great struggle, when our worldly possessions are fading away, God gives us an opportunity to realize our need for heavenly treasures. What if tomorrow your life as your know it now were to be taken away in an instant? How would you cope and where would you turn? The things that cannot be taken away from us, which thieves cannot break in a steal, become our world and our focus.
What are these unseen things that are greater than any gold or worldly possessions? The gifts of faith, hope, love and the promise of our Salvation. And while these gifts may not be as tangible as we are used to, they can be viewed everywhere, whether it is through the love a child, meditating on the beautiful creation around us or even in the silence of prayer with our Lord.
Unlike worldly possessions, our heavenly treasures are always there for us to partake in and receive. Christ longs for us to turn to him not only during times of great need but at all times. Let us store up our treasures in heaven, "[for] where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."
Kim Garcia is the Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Cent er in Houston, Texas.