Where is my heart?

 
Reading: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21.
 
Good morning, happy Friday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 6:19-23) Jesus warns his listeners not to store up treasure for themselves while they are on earth. The reality is that our earthly treasures may be lost to theft or decay, or we may grow bored with them.
 
The day we die, we will leave all of our earthly treasures behind. We cannot take them with us to heaven, nor can we take them to hell. Jesus’ desire for us is that we store up what is lasting, what will never decay:  the gift and grace of love. God made us for love: love of God, Jesus and the Spirit and love of other human beings.
 
Why is it that so many of us accumulate stuff? Is it for our comfort, security, pleasure, or status? Why do I think I need so much? Deep within, we realize that earthly treasure truly gives us neither love nor security. Only God can give us true security and true love.  A diamond, a large house, or a fast car can never love us. Yet many of us continue to desire more.
 
What we consider valuable shows us where our hearts are. Take time today to sit quietly and write down what you believe are the real treasures in your life? Are any of them lasting treasures? If they are, what makes them so? Give thanks to God for these special gifts.
 
Who and what are the real treasures in my life? I invite you to write these treasures down. It may be only a few people or things. However, it is a gift to be able to appreciate the true and lasting treasures in our lives. Then, give thanks to God for these wondrous gifts which you have received. God appreciates a simple “thank you!”
Jesus once again reminds us that God looks at the heart, and challenges us to ask ourselves where our real priorities lie. Where is my heart? My treasure? Is it something that is durable, that cannot be corrupted by moth or by rust, or is it something merely material or ethereal, like money or success or popularity?
Today, I sit with Jesus and examine my attitude towards money and possessions. Do they take too great a place in my heart and mind? I look at this honestly and ask Jesus to help me if my attitudes need to change. What is my ‘treasure ‘? How has my treasure changed throughout my life? Am I aware of any treasure that I might have in the future? The way I see things will determine the way I act! Do I need new glasses? Does God have a ‘new vision’ specially for me? Talk with God about this?
Blessings,
 
Luis+