17 June 2016 - invest in heaven

[ Today's Readings ]

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.

What are we storing up for ourselves on earth? For all of us there are things we pursue which do not last. We all have some investments of time and commitments of energy which are fleeting. It isn't always obvious what they are. Much we do which only seems temporary is actually making the world more like the kingdom. Much of ourwork, hobbies, and other pursuits, actually does bring more beauty into the world, more joy, and more fraternity. So, rather, than getting rid of our hobbies and spending all of our time in a Church, how do we determine the treasures which are earthly treasures only? How do we divest of these?

Earthly treasures can be taken. Heavenly treasures cannot. If we, by music or dance, art or photography, or any other craft add beauty to the world that act cannot be diminished. Even if the thing itself is destroyed the very act of enriching the world is itself a good act. It makes us into better people than we were.   On the other hand, to the degree that pride is involved, these things can be taken from us. They aren't about the goodness of the thing or of the act but rather about taking pride in how people see us. This is the most fickle of treasures and it is easily lost.

But 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.

So let us invest in the kingdom. Let our currency by charity and our transactions prayer and works of mercy. These cannot be taken from us. They bear fruit unto eternal life.

If your sons keep my covenant
and the decrees which I shall teach them,
Their sons, too, forever
shall sit upon your throne.

Let us do as the king and people of Israel do in today's first reading. Let us tear down the idols enshrined in our hearts that demand these earthly investments as sacrifices and give us nothing in return.

Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal
and demolished it.
They shattered its altars and images completely,
and slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars.

Let us pray that all the people of the land will tear down the idols of modernity and discover the only thing that truly matters.

For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he prefers her for his dwelling.
“Zion is my resting place forever;
in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”
“In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David;
I will place a lamp for my anointed.
His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but upon him my crown shall shine.”