Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:19-23

 

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

 

How many times have we heard it said that we should save up for a rainy day or that we need to save for the future.  Jesus talks to us today about building treasures in our life.  Today’s Gospel reading should be titled, “You can’t take it with you.”  Jesus tells us the obvious, the material treasures that we build on earth cannot go with us to heaven.  However, this is only half the story.  In fact you can take some of the treasures you build on earth with you.  The spiritual gifts which we form on earth transcend this world and follow us into heaven.  Unfortunately, so do the sinful gifts which we attach to our lives.  While our money will rot on earth, the treasures we build in our soul will last for eternity.  What treasures do you store in your heart?  Do you allow greed, hatred and selfishness to consume your soul or do you build compassion, love and kindness.  Christ says that the eye is the window to your soul.  When one looks in, what do they see, darkness or the light of Christ.  When we look into the world, what is it that we desire? - the latest X Box or WII, the most expensive clothes, a new car or the latest electronic gadget.  Is your mind consumed with the material aspects of this world.  These types of treasures can weigh us down and create darkness in our souls because they block out the needs of others who have nothing.  We must be able to release these material items and replace them spiritual treasures.  You must be willing to sacrifice your time for others.  Do you go out of your way to help those in need?  Are you willing to give all that you own to God?  The simple litmus test is – do you desire the Eucharist more than anything else on earth?  Would you chose Mass over an Astro’s game, a soccer game or some other activity you are involved in.  As soon as Christ becomes second, you have filled your heart with darkness.  What is first in your life, God or you?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord, Your are the light of world.

You lead me from the darkness.

Give me the strength to give up my worldly possessions

For a life walking with you.

 

Yours in Christ:

Michael Marcon