Store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

It seems obvious that not all material things last. As Jesus notes, they can easily be destroyed or stolen. He suggests that we store up treasure in heaven instead. What does it mean to store up treasure in heaven? It is a question of knowing what our ultimate values are and what we work most for. If we place it on material goods of this earth, we always run the danger of losing what we have stored up. If we place the basis in God, nobody will be able to destroy it, and we will have interior freedom to share with others what we possess. Because, as Jesus tells us today, where our treasure is, there is our heart.

As Jesus speaks of treasures, we might ask, ‘In what ways was Jesus rich?’ Jesus wants to share with us any wealth we recognize or value in him. As Jesus also said, he came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. We celebrate that reality in every Mass: Jesus giving himself completely, even to the point of pouring out his life for us. Jesus, loving us while we were still sinners. Jesus lived and loved for others. His values were to make this world one where justice and peace prevailed. He was totally unselfish in sharing his gifts and talents.

As for us, regarding giving, the Church speaks of time, talent, and treasure. What are some ways to hoard these instead of sharing them?

Let Us Pray:

O Jesus, make me aware of the various ways my ultimate values seem to be material things rather than those of heaven.