It is worth noting how in this Gospel passage, Jesus emphasizes the place and not so much the kind of wealth we are supposed to accumulate. If we store up treasures on earth, thieves can break in and steal, and moths can eat our treasures.

Whereas in heaven, no thief or moth can reach and destroy our treasure, and so it is eternally secure. Despite this different perspective, we believe that the basic meaning is still the same: that we ought to gather treasures that are spiritual or heavenly rather than material or temporary.

Thus, we would be in the right track if we gathered works of mercy, or tried to help those in need as much as we can, or cultivate virtues like love, compassion, and kindness, rather than collect “treasures” of hatred, indifference, destroying people’s reputation, inflicting physical or emotional harm on others, etc.

These are, so to speak, treasures stored in heaven, and no one can ever steal them, nor they be stolen. Hence, while material wealth can be helpful to us, we are to be careful that they will not hinder our entering into eternal life.

First Reading

2 Cor 11:18, 21-30

Brothers and sisters: Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. To my shame I say that we were too weak!

But what anyone dares to boast of (I am speaking in foolishness) I also dare. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they children of Israel? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I am talking like an insane person). I am still more, with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, far worse beatings, and numerous brushes with death.

Five times at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I passed a night and a day on the deep; on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure.

And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

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.