In the heart’s quiet chambers, a truth unfolds,
Our perspective shapes our spiritual mold.
We cannot serve both God and mammon’s call,
For earthly treasures, in His light, are small.
His riches far surpass the fleeting gold,
In eternal things, our investments hold.
A healthy eye brings light, a beacon bright,
An unhealthy one casts shadows, dims the sight.
Let us seek the light of God’s pure truth,
Prioritizing Him in age and youth.
Above all else, let His love be our guide,
In His eternal grace, let us abide.
REFLECTION:
"But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20)
Our perspective shapes our spiritual condition. We cannot serve both God and material wealth (mammon). Earthly treasures pale in comparison to His riches. It is important to invest in eternal things, not fleeting possessions.
A healthy eye brings light; an unhealthy one brings darkness. Let us seek the light of God’s truth prioritizing God above all.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Our perspective shapes our spiritual condition, and we acknowledge that we cannot serve both You and material wealth. Earthly treasures pale in comparison to Your boundless riches. Help us to invest in eternal things, not fleeting possessions.
Grant us a healthy eye that brings light and protect us from an unhealthy one that brings darkness. Let us seek the light of Your truth, Prioritizing You above all else.
Guide us to live in Your eternal grace, and let Your love be our constant guide. In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
TREASURE IN HEAVEN / THE LIGHT OF THE BODY
Matthew 6:19-21 / 22-23
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Gospel | Matthew 6:19-23
19 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. 20 But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; 23 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.”
Background:
Background of Matthew 6:19-23. In this passage, Jesus addresses the relationship between our treasures, our hearts, and our priorities:
Treasures on Earth vs. Treasures in Heaven: Jesus begins by cautioning against laying up treasures on earth. Earthly treasures are vulnerable to decay (moths and rust) and theft. Instead, He encourages us to lay up treasures in heaven, where they remain secure and eternal. The heart follows where our treasure is stored—our priorities reveal our true affections.
The Lamp of the Body: Jesus uses a metaphor: the eye is like a lamp for the body. If our eye is good (focused on heavenly things), our whole being is filled with light. Conversely, if our eye is bad (fixed on earthly desires), darkness pervades our lives. Our perspective shapes our spiritual condition.
Serving God or Mammon: Jesus concludes by emphasizing that we cannot serve both God and mammon (material wealth). Our loyalty must be singular. Seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness should be our primary pursuit.
Learning Lessons:
Matthew 6:19-23 imparts valuable lessons that resonate with believers across time. Let’s explore them:
Treasures on Earth vs. Treasures in Heaven: Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures susceptible to decay (moths and rust) and theft.
Instead, prioritize heavenly treasures, which endure and remain secure. Invest in eternal things, not fleeting possessions.
The Lamp of the Body: Jesus uses a metaphor: the eye as a lamp. A healthy eye brings light; an unhealthy one brings darkness. Our perspective shapes our spiritual condition. Seek the light of God’s truth. Guard your focus; let it be on heavenly matters.
Serving God or Mammon: We cannot serve both God and material wealth (mammon). Choose loyalty to God. Earthly treasures pale in comparison to His riches. Prioritize God above all; seek His kingdom and righteousness.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
