Philip Raj csc –
Readings: 2 Kgs 11: 1-4, 9-18, 20; Mt 6: 19–23
All of us have a desire to hoard things at our house, thinking that one day we will use them. Yes, it is a good thing but it should not take us to the extreme level of accumulating things because at any point of time it may be lost. Why do we earn money? It is to live a happy life with our family. But in the process of earning money, if we lose health or relationships; we will find no meaning in our hard-earned money or wealth.
Today’s gospel reading invites us to reflect and introspect by asking “what are we trying to treasure up for ourselves?” When we start treasuring love, joy, compassion, friendship, and care, we store up treasures in heaven. It is like investing a large sum of money in a bank, but a kind of bank where no thieves would be able break in, nor any moth can destroy.
To put our lives on the right track, Jesus is reminding us to make use of our eyes for good purposes. If our eyes are well-focused, then our whole body can be easily disciplined; if not our lives would be filled with darkness.
So, Jesus has set an example before us as to live our lives on this earth by giving priority to things that bring heavenly treasure and lead an other-centred life.