STORING UP WEALTH

STORING UP WEALTH

 

But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. – Matthew 6:20

 

When I started writing for Didache a few years ago, Bo Sanchez sent me a message of thanks. He also explained that it will not make us rich but quoted the passage about “storing treasures in heaven.” It was half-serious, yet very profound, if you think about it.

Many of us work hard to fulfill our dreams. A dream home, cars, gadgets, properties, travel and a   comfortable lifestyle. There is nothing wrong about striving to reach these goals. The irony is once we achieve all these things, we immediately chase after another one. No amount of money or material wealth satisfies. After the initial excitement of “making it,” the emptiness stays.

The only way to fill that space is with God. If you want to be satisfied, look to saving up treasures in heaven. It may be profound or simple. Volunteer your time and resources to ministries like He Cares and Anawim. Sing in your parish choir. Teach catechism. Be honest in your business. Have integrity at work. Speak God’s Word in your actions.

Write about God’s love. That’s what I’m doing. Jun Asis (mabuting.balita@gmail.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What can I do to load up treasures in heaven?

 

Lord, I offer my talents and resources to You. Use them as You please. Amen.

LIGHT IN DARKNESS

 

Back in our primitive mountain trekking days, we had little of what is so readily available nowadays — mountain gear, the mere sight of which would have made us drool with envy in those early days. Among our most coveted gadgets were those tiny lightweight headlamps that could be a lifesaver in certain unforeseen situations and a big help during the dark, moonless or cloudy nights out in the open. We only had the good, old and wieldy flashlights that weighed a ton in our backpacks. The rule was simple. The man at the head of the trail would carry one during night treks, while the man on the tail would carry another. The rest of us in the group would have to take the lead man’s word for it. We would go in step with him, carefully planting our sore feet exactly where he placed his own.

We made it despite the low-tech gear. The reason was simple. He who held the lamp carried the safety of everybody else. He wielded the lamp and that lamp guided the steps of our feet. His flashlight gave light but the lead man acted as the lamp for the rest of us in the group. Light is most important for us wayfarers. We traverse a world many times steeped in various forms of darkness. There is the darkness of sin, first and foremost. In a world where evil is packaged as good, and where the wrong is presented as right, we can easily lose our bearings until we get to the ultimate darkness of unbelief. It is important that we have a clear eyesight, for “if your eyes are good, your body will be filled with light.”

We do more than just trek up a dark mountain. And as we go through the thoroughfares of life, we need to have, apart from clear eyesight, a well-lit lamp to guide our steps. Jehoiada was one such light-bearer. He saw through the wickedness of Athaliah, and set himself up as a beacon of fidelity to the covenant with the true God. Does our light shine in darkness? Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Which is more dominant in my life: darkness or light?

 

Lord of light, help me to follow the light that Your Word brings. Amen.

 

St. Alena, pray for us.