“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

The Gospel reading this week continues a theme from last week.  We are being warned to pursue things of eternal worth and to avoid trying to store up “treasure” on earth.  Again, Jesus tells a parable to illustrate his point and it starkly reveals that there will be a harsh judgement for those who have not been charitable.

As well as the warning about chasing after riches, Jesus also points out that we do not know when our master will return.  In other words, we need to be sure that we are following the Lord here and now.  Faith is not something that we can postpone for some imagined future.

We might ask ourselves why we are tempted to chase after the wrong things – things that are not of eternal value and even things that we could simply say are wrong.  An obvious answer is that they appear to offer quick fixes or consolations, but they prove to be distractions or addictions that prevent us from real growth in virtue.

In the reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, there is an inspiring reminder of what true faith is.  The example of Abraham is given, who is perhaps the ultimate role-model of faith in the Old Testament.  When God tested Abraham, he did not waver from obedience to God.

And so we are encouraged again to make sure that our lives are a pursuit of “treasure in the heavens that does not fail.”  

God bless, Fr Kevin.