HOMILY OF FRIDAY 11TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY OF FRIDAY 11TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN
BY: Fr. Karabari Paul
‘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.’
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF FRIDAY 11TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
Today’s culture is one of ‘getting’. We buy one thing, but then something new and better is released, and we think we need that. We want to get the promotion and the raise. We think that new things, and more money, will make us happy. What we think will be a blessing can end up being a burden. What we strive for today can cause us stress tomorrow. When money or materialism become our main focus, we lose sight of God and the blessings He has for us.
God desires our devotion, and He knows we will battle the temptation of money and earthly treasures. In the Gospel of today (Matthew 6:19-23), Jesus asks us to lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven. In general, “treasures on earth” includes money and possessions. Earthly treasures include the things you can touch (e.g., cash, clothes, cars) and the things you cannot touch. Jesus isn’t saying we can’t own a phone, can’t buy a computer, can’t purchase a home, can’t drive a car, can’t buy gifts for someone, can’t save or invest money for retirement. What Jesus is sayimg is, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth …” which means focusing on accumulating money and things but set our heart pursuing “treasures in heaven.”
We may think that “treasures in heaven” only refers to tithing in the Bible, sharing with others, and being a generous person. There is an element of truth to this. We see this emphasized in several places in the Bible. There is more to laying up “treasures in heaven” than giving away our money and possessions. It also includes living for God’s glory and the good of others.
Heavenly wealth is obtained by investing in “treasures in heaven.” We are eternally rewarded when we give, forgive someone, share the gospel, love our enemies, endure insults and persecutions and the greatest reward every follower of Christ will receive is this: Seeing God face-to-face.
Where is our treasure? That is a really important question to ask ourselves, because the Bible tells us that where our treasure is, our heart is there too. So if we think our treasure is our possessions and our money, our heart will be in the world. But if we know our real treasure is in heaven, then our heart will be focused on God and the blessings He promises us. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us bless and protect us all through Christ Our Lord Amen. Good morning.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE>>>>>
