Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:18,21-30, Ps. 34:2-7, Matthew 6:19-23
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19)
I once heard a hilarious story. A man was walking past a bank where he had deposited all his money throughout his life. He believed in the bank’s security so much. As he walked by, he noticed a long queue in front of the bank; many youths were withdrawing money from the ATM Gallery.
As he watched them, he became furious; he brought out his ATM card and joined the queue. After withdrawing all he had, he took the money, went inside the bank, and shouted: “Please, I came to deposit my money so you can lock it up before those rascals take everything with the ATM outside.”
We may want to call this man a “foolish” person, but the truth is that we are all like him. We build houses with tall fences and electric barbed wire; we install CCTV cameras; we buy bulletproof cars; we hire soldiers to follow us; we do all these, and still we can’t sleep peacefully at night. We constantly worry about who will try to steal from us or how we should further protect ourselves.
If we want our goods to be secure, we must store them in heaven, where thieves and robbers cannot break in and steal. How do we do this? Giving things away and helping those experiencing poverty and in need around us.
If you take just one child from the street, feed them, educate them and give them a chance to become someone in life, you have taken that money to heaven. You will not benefit directly from this child, but whatever you spend on them will never be forgotten by God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to worship you with what we have. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 11 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 11:18,21-30, Ps. 34:2-7, Matthew 6:19-23).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu