Homily for Friday
11th Week of Ordinary
Time
June 17, 2022
Matt 6: 19-23
2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18,
20
Salesian HS, New
Rochelle, N.Y.
“Jesus said to his
disciples: ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth’” (Matt 6: 19).
In the 1st reading
the Scriptures show us the example of a wicked queen who sought earthly
treasure, or at least power, to the point of murdering the entire royal family
except for one child who was hidden.
History provides many such examples, right up to today, of rulers,
business people, and others who pursue wealth, power, or some other objective
at any cost, causing immense personal and social destruction—e.g., thru
violence or environmental devastation.
Christ teaches us something different. He reminds us that earthly wealth, as well as power, pleasure, and fame, is fragile, temporary, passing. It might be lost or stolen or disappear at any time. Power can be taken away. Money can be robbed or lost thru bad investments. Beauty and strength fade with time.
What remains? What can we really count on? Jesus speaks of “treasures in heaven,” and he
says these treasures can be “stored up” (Matt 6:20). These are all the acts of love we’ve carried
out—he speaks of our hearts (6:21)—all the loving words we’ve spoken, all the
prayers we’ve offered, all the sacrifices we’ve made on behalf of Christ.
All our faithfulness
to Jesus our Savior he counts in our favor, little treasures he puts to our
heavenly account—so that when we pass from this world into eternity and leave
behind all that the world thinks is important, Jesus will greet us at his door: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share your lord’s joy” (Matt
25:21). If we’ve given Jesus our heart
on earth, his heart will be ours forever.
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