REFLECTIONS
In biblical times, aside from fields/farms, treasures were in the form of coins and jewels, and fine clothes and costly textiles. There was the perennial danger of losing them to robbers, fire, and insects.
In view of Matthew’s context which concerns practices of piety (almsgiving, prayer, and fasting) done to gain attention, we may include among the treasures on earth the “praise of others” which was highly valued by the “hypocrites” but which can be lost in a moment.
“Treasures in heaven” (v 20) are not precisely defined. They could be the recompense from the heavenly Father “who sees in secret” the righteous deeds performed without show, even without thought of any “reward” by way of reputation of superior piety. God’s reward is the only thing that lasts.
Gospel • Matthew 6:19-23
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. 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. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.