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June 20, 2014

In the first reading, we seem to be watching a movie. An evil queen rises to power and kills all the royal sons. But one son is kept alive and six years later, the high priest leads an uprising and with the royal guard behind them, the rightful heir to the throne is reinstated. Jehoaida the priest takes forceful action in putting things in their proper place. He is admirable for his courage and decisiveness.

We are also called to correct wrongdoings especially those done in society and in government. We cannot remain silent while others suffer from injustice. We are responsible for our fellowmen, and whenever we have the opportunity to help them, we must do so.

In the gospel we are told how important it is to keep the light of God within us shining. We Christians are supposed to be enlightened about what God wants for the world. We are not supposed to be enslaved by the inordinate desire for money. We are supposed to take the side of right even if we are in the minority. Our Christianity must be evident in our actions, in the help and service we give to others. Believe me that those who serve their brothers, those who give up a lucrative career to help the poor and neglected, those who preach God to others in order to give them hope and joy – they will be the first to enter the kingdom of God. However, those who spend their lives accumulating riches and not sharing their good fortune, those who cheat and bribe their fellowman, those who oppress the little ones in society, and those who live immoral lives – they will suffer the consequences of their actions in the life hereafter, if not earlier. “Those who are first will be the last, and those last will be first.”

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 4

<< Friday, June 20, 2014 >>

2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
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Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18

Matthew 6:19-23
Similar Reflections

TREASURY BONDS

"Make it your practice instead to store up heavenly treasure, which neither moths nor rust corrode nor thieves break in and steal." —Matthew 6:20

Athaliah, the wicked queen of Israel, stored up earthly treasure. She built up her treasury by killing off the whole royal family (2 Kgs 11:1). However, wealth gained out of wickedness is like a flash flood: it rises quickly, flourishes for a short time, and then "suddenly, once and for all, comes to an end" (Sir 40:13-14). This proved true for Athaliah, as she suddenly lost not only her wealth, but also her life. The point is that earthly treasure can quickly vanish (Mt 6:19; Lk 12:16ff). Anyone who lived through the Great Depression in the U.S. in 1929 can testify to that.

Jehosheba's courageous act of hiding the baby king, Joash, in the temple (2 Kgs 11:3) prefigures Jesus' admonition to store up heavenly treasure (Mt 6:20). Heavenly treasure, such as acts of charity, almsgiving, and prayer, is also "hidden in the temple of the Lord" (2 Kgs 11:3) and cannot be destroyed (Mt 6:20). Just as a United States savings bond reaches full financial maturity after a period of time, so did Jehosheba's treasure mature as the boy-king Joash grew up in the safety of the temple (2 Kgs 11:4).

Our heavenly treasure will always yield a return. It will never be lost or stolen. It is like seed a farmer sowed in a field. Day after day, it slowly matures without our knowing how it happens (Mk 4:26ff). When the time is ready, our heavenly treasure yields a sure, indestructible return.

Prayer: Father, may I use my finances to bring many into Your kingdom.

Promise: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." —Mt 6:21

Praise: Julie put aside her plans for a career as a pharmacist in order to raise and home-school her eight children.