Where Your Treasure is, There also will Your Heart be

 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 07, 2022

Readings: Wisdom 18:6–9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18–22; Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19; Lk 12:32-48

To listen to the audio-video reflections on YOUTUBE please click on this link: https://youtu.be/GGG14TtgHSg 

Who does not like wealth or treasure? Probably the monks or ascetics! The gospel reading of today (Lk 12:32-48) speaks about treasure. It articulates two kinds of treasures. One that is stored on earth and the other stored in heaven. Perhaps, we can understand very easily the wealth stored on the earth. These are material goods, things that are dear to us for our daily use, things that give us comfort and solace, things that give us fame and name, and things that make us so-called civilized or cultured men or women.

1. Living in the City of God and the City of Man

Things that we own on this earth are essential for our daily living. We cannot say goodbye to them so easily. As we understand that these things are very essential, sometimes they might become our masters and in turn we, their slaves. Our internal freedom is either sold out or reconciled. Therefore the teaching of Jesus about material wealth has its relevance even today. As Christians, we are entrusted with a mission to act, following the example of Jesus, and through our actions to serve others and God. 

Things that are stored in heaven are those which are depicted in a symbolic or metaphorical way. These are those of our good acts which have greater value in the eyes of God. It is the goodness, charity, generosity, meekness and so on, that we show towards our brothers and sisters that pleases God. In other words, in our Christian understanding, this means abiding by the values of the gospel or the Kingdom of God. 

The material things in themselves are not meant to lead us to God but they are to be used in order that we come closer to God. Material things have value in themselves in so far as they are used rightly and to bring God’s reign on earth. St. Augustine has said we are made for heaven, which means, we are supposed to take care of ourselves in moving towards the dwelling place of God. St Charles Borromeo puts it so brilliantly, “He who desires to advance in the knowledge of God, ought to begin each day of his life with renewed vigor; he should hold himself in the presence of God, as much as possible, and desire no other end, in all his actions save the glory of God.”

2. For more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more

One of the characteristics of Jesus’ life is to be simple. The simplicity of Jesus touched the lives of people with whom he moved around. Sometimes this also led to anger and jealousy among Pharisees and Rabbis of the time. Jesus teaches in contradictions. He contrasts between things which are earthly and those things which are heavenly. Jesus is teaching his disciples things which are simple but quite hard to put into practice. Therefore, they question Jesus ‘Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?’ (Luke 12:41). Jesus is clear about his mission that first, his small flock should understand him better. 

St Luke the gospel writer is particularly keen with regard to sharing of gifts of his community with others. These gifts of the community should be shared with others, especially with those who did not have them. One of the prime themes of the early Church makes itself present here.  It is koinonia, a communion which brought together both rich and poor, master and slave, pagan and fundamentalist. Luke who is also the writer of the Acts of the Apostles continues to write over this theme in the early chapters of the Acts. He makes a fundamental conviction very clear: A community that prays together, and shares with one another stays together. This seems to be the main focus of the Gospel writer who himself was a medical doctor. 

3. Being vigilant and faithful 

The early Christian community was a bit disturbed by the idea of the second coming of Jesus at ‘an unexpected hour.’ They thought that the glorified Jesus would come down again quickly but it was not happening as they thought it might. That is why the gospel writer St Luke emphasizes that to be on the safer side it is better that they are vigilant about their lifestyle. In other words to be living out our Christian values. 

The time of the Lord is all time.  So that people lead a life that is coherent and consistent with the Gospel values and not a distorted one. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (Revelation 3:20). Our God is faithful, and if we wait in faith, hope in His kindness, and love as we have been loved, we will receive His promised blessing and be delivered. There is no point in worrying for nothing. Corrie Ten Boom says, "worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

It would be impossible to stay awake 24/7 but if we modify the way we live, think, work, relate and feel in such a way that all these things lead to God then it's a perfect way of living in God's presence. Watchfulness and fidelity seem to be potential words in today’s gospel. As Christians we are called to a life that is pleasing to God, our life should determine that we are truly children of God. Our Sunday Eucharist is a sign of this fidelity where we celebrate the Lord’s life as a community. We not only hear the word of God but also become one with Christ at the Eucharist. We have one alter and one community. We pray that this Eucharist may help us to relive that experience of the Early Christian Community to live communion of praying, sharing and loving. Amen.

Questions for our reflections:

1. What would be your reply, if someone asks about your faith in God today?
2. What kind of feelings evoke within you when you hear the words faith, hope and love?
3. "For more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." What does it mean to you these words of Jesus? 

Prayer:

Gracious and Loving God, you have chosen us for your own inheritance. Our eyes are upon you, O Lord for you have chosen us to be your own. Your kindness is always upon us to deliver us from death and preserve us from famine and above all those things that make us poor and deserted. Our soul waits for you, O Lord, on you we place our trust and hope to help us and protect us. May your kindness be upon us these days of uncertainties of war, growing religious fundamentalism, hatred, and violence. Thus we may rejoice in your company of love, friendship and faithfulness. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

August 05, 2022