Today’s Gospel reading is among the collection of teachings of Jesus in the ermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.
Jesus tells us not to store up treasures on earth, treasures which may not last because “moth and rust [may] destroy it” or “thieves can steal it.” Instead store up treasure in heaven, with and before God. Jesus spoke a lot about having trust in the care and providence of God our Father: “”Do not worry and say: What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink? Or what shall we wear? .. your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your hearts first on the kingdom of God and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you.” (Mt 6: 31 – 33)
In another occasion Jesus spoke against greed and building up great possessions on earth, like the rich man who planned to build bigger barns for his great harvests: “But God said to him: ‘You fool! This very night your life will be taken from you; tell me who shall get all you have put aside?’ This is the lot of the one who stores up riches instead of amassing for God.” (Lk 12: 20- 21)
When Jesus speaks of our “eye,” he was speaking about our conscience which directs our choices and actions. If our consciences are sound, so will our actions be. But if our consciences are erroneous, we will be led astray into wrongdoing. With God’s grace and due guidance, may we have correct consciences to lead us in our lives.