Heavenly Treasure
A little over a year ago, I had the privilege of attending the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. The deep faith and overflowing joy of sixty-thousand people of all ages and paths in life seeking “Heavenly Treasure” was extremely inspiring. Their praise and adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is indelibly etched in my heart. In the Gospel next weekend, Luke tells us, “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Lk. 12:35). So … where is my heart, … what is my treasure? Truthfully, answering this question, desiring to open one’s heart to the transforming love of Jesus Christ, one will find “Heavenly Treasure.”
When one responds to the grace of God, that ‘Treasure in Heaven’ will be obtained. The readings next week suggest three pathways toward building up this treasure: being aware and awake, giving alms and spiritual gifts, and trusting in God’s faithfulness.
Awareness is the point of departure for a spiritual journey. Faithful attendance at Mass, frequent reception of the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, silence, meditation and prayer are the sure means of gaining spiritual treasure. Being awake is tied to readiness and hope: “Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes” (Lk. 12:43). We are called to be alert to the action of God in our hearts and in our lives. Even amidst the busy schedule of daily life we can remain God-centered if we are open to the graces that He offers us.
Jesus invites us to “Sell your belongings and give alms” (Lk. 12:33). Giving away your material possessions to people in need, is a way to gain ‘Treasure in Heaven’. In addition to freely donating money or material goods to the poor, we can gather spiritual gifts. These include: acts of love, personal penances and the sacrifices that we make. By patiently enduring the little inconveniences of daily life and “offering them up”, we present a pleasing gift to our God.
The third means of building ‘Treasure in Heaven’ is faith. A verse from Hebrews invites us to focus on the primacy of God in our lives, because “Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen” (Heb. 11:1). Constant practice of the virtue of faith draws us closer to God and to one another in love.
What is the blessing that is promised to those who are spiritually awake, give alms to the needy, and offer spiritual gifts to God? It is the ultimate blessing of the “Heavenly Treasure” … Eternal Life.
God bless you!
Sr. Kathleen