First Reading - 2 Corinthians 11:18,21-30
Gospel - Matthew 6:19-23
Through the gospel passage, Jesus makes contrasts between material possessions and spiritual possessions. Jesus tells his disciples not to accumulate possession they don't use for his work. The ancient meaning of wealth consisted of precious metals and clothes, hence, the owners were always worried about attacks of moth and rust. This used to be a common issue in hot and sandy climate like Palestine. In addition to moth and rust, the threat of theft also bothered the rich. Therefore, Jesus exhorts his disciples to work for spiritual riches invulnerable to loss and death. The contrast between material possessions and spiritual riches culminates in defining the safeguarding of our life itself; the greed for material possessions can't assure eternal life but our work for spiritual riches (spiritual riches could mean as everything which believers can take along beyond the grave) manifested in holiness of character, obedience to God's commandments, souls won for Christ, and disciples nurtured in in the faith.
Jesus does not condemn possession or money but proposes compassionate use of money or possession by sharing with needy. The use of possession is also implied by sound eyes and diseased eyes. It means, Jesus underlines that the way people handle their finances affects every other part of their lives, either for good or for bad. And if that which should lead to good actually causes evil, then the person is truly preserved.
The first reading gives a beautiful account of what mattered most for Paul. Paul contrasts between worldly achievements (worldly treasures) and his spiritual treasure in Christ. Paul clearly puts it that for many their treasures are their achievements and possessions but for him it's Jesus for who he is ready to endure everything and is willing become anybody. Thus, Paul shows a Christ-centric life as the greatest treasure for him.
Dear friends, our life on earth is a journey to heaven. The counsels of Jesus challenge us to examine our way of life: Where are we storing up our wealth? or What is our possession? Is it material or spiritual in nature? Let's not become blind by storing up earthly treasure for selfish purpose and pleasure that can help us no way reach our destination but pave out way to spiritual death. Let's possess spiritual treasure for ourselves that has no threat to our spiritual life by eradicating everything that distances us from God and embracing everything that leads us closer to God.
Jesus does not condemn possession of wealth, provided that is used for the good of needy people. Our compassionate use of wealth for the needy and poor is another step to treasure wealth in heaven. This way also we can grow in our spiritual riches. Let's be generous with our material possessions, be it money or other gifts.
Let's make the person of Christ our treasure. Jesus makes it clear that "where your treasure is there your heart will be." If we make Jesus our treasure, the material wealth and earthly allurements will never distract us in the possession of our spiritual riches, because our heart will be fixed on the person of Christ as is demonstrated by Paul in the first reading.
May God guide us to store up spiritual treasures for our life.
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