We all enjoy a good meal. We love new things and old things that bring us memories. We collect stuff. Too much stuff. When my mother died I received things from her. When I married my wife and I combined stuff. When my wife, Anna, didn’t want something anymore she would tell me to find a place for it int the garage. The result was we no longer parked the car in the garage because there was so much stuff. When we downsized we got rid of stuff. We gave most of it away. Selling was too much trouble. When we moved to Tulsa, we are still getting rid of things. Not sure all were treasures, but they became a burden to store and maintain. What do we really need to be happy? Anna and I both know that it is not a ring or some other treasure but family, friends and serving the Lord in a small way. The expensive crystal we received at our wedding isn’t worth anything today. People move so much that these beautiful things are worthless.
Psalm 19: 10-13 The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever.The statutes of the LORD are true,all of them just;More desirable than gold ,than a hoard of purest gold. Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb. By them your servant is warned; obeying them brings much reward.Who can detect trespasses? Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins.
When do treasures on earth cause us to sin?
Most of us would answer, when those treasures become a god to us. No brick of gold is worth your soul or mine. (Just for the record I do not own a brick of gold). Sometimes I think that I do desire things too much. Do I purchase a new suit or give the money to the food pantry or the Indian mission.
Both my wife and I are immune compromised and when COVID-19 hit we were urged not to go to church. Gradually we returned and so did others in our parrish. However, I have some non-catholic friends that only go to their church virtually. Right now things seem safe to socialize and go to Church. Make holy the Lord’s day is still a rule.
Time, talent and treasure are things we need on earth to live. How we use them is where we get into trouble. However, the most important treasure is doing the will of God on Earth.
Mark 1:15 says “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”Luke 17:20-25 The Kingdom of God will not be able to be seen but is all around you
One of the things that I firmly believe is that we have the Kingdom of God all around us. We just have to look for it. The treasure that we build up for that Kingdom is serving God on this earth and simply moving to another part of that Kingdom in Heaven. The treasures of this life are only tools to help us build that Kingdom on Earth and when we die the real treasures will be how we have served God and we can enjoy the fruits of those lasting treasure in Glory with Jesus in Heaven.
In conclusion at the end of the day the things we work for and treasures we collect are only important if they lead us to Heaven.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers and peace in the Ukraine.
