MATERIAL VS. SPIRITUAL TREASURES
Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious
My dear encountered couples:
“Do not lay up for yourselves an earthly treasure.” Thus, says Jesus Christ. Then he goes on to warn us that, if we do, we will find it won’t last very long. Rust, or moths, or thieves, or something will make it worthless or take it away from you. Anyhow, when we die, we won’t be able to take any of it with us.
There does not seem to be too much danger these days of many people laying up for themselves earthly treasures. Paychecks are gone within a few days for most people, some even within a few hours. Not only does the cost of living take what we put in our wallets but advertisements convince us that we can’t live without the latest inventions and discoveries. We buy them only to find they soon break down or we quickly tire of them. It isn’t rust or moths, though thieves remain a big possibility; it is an illusion we are buying, which soon evaporates like a morning fog in bright sunlight.
Experience teaches that our money does not go very far, and what it does buy of happiness is very short lived. We find ourselves soon broke again.
Jesus says to go after heavenly treasures, seek after spiritual values. Strive to acquire the truth of God, his wisdom, honesty, and love. Try to possess God himself. He wants to become one with you and share all he has and is. Let him! Then when your dying time comes, you’ll be rich with a treasure that you won’t have to leave behind.
We must learn the value of things of earth and use them as we must, enjoy them as God intends, while at the same time seeking the better things - God’s things - God himself.
