Today's first reading sounds like the plot of a
movie or one of Shakespeare's plays, especially Richard 11! Athaliah was the
daughter of Ahab, the evil King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. She had
married Jehoram of Judah and fully expected that their son, Ahaziah, would
become the king of Judah.
When he was assassinated, she violently usurped the throne of Judah for
herself and introduced the worship of the pagan god, Baal. After seven years
she was overthrown and executed. The temple
of Baal was destroyed and
Joash, the legitimate heir of King David, was installed as king.
Athaliah reflected what Jesus preached in
today's Gospel. He said, "For where your treasure is, there also will your
heart be" (Mt. 6:21). Athaliah's treasure was the power and luxury of the
court, and she sought it with all the ambition of her heart. It was indeed an
earthly treasure, one which endured for a mere seven years. There was no
lasting value in the power and luxury, which she had taken to herself. That
which lasts forever is really much more humble than all the royalty and
political power that we just heard about. That which lasts forever is really
much simpler than all the searching after luxury that is fleeting and passing.
Jesus used the images of treasure and eyesight
to convey the hidden truth of God's Kingdom. What Jesus said about treasure
made perfect sense to His people - keep what lasts! Aren't we all trying to
find the treasure that will bring us security and happiness? Jesus contrasts
two very different kinds of wealth, material and spiritual. Jesus urges His
disciples to become rich by investing in what truly lasts, not just for a
life-time, but for all eternity. How attainable is this heavenly treasure and
can we enjoy it now, or must we wait for it in the after-life? The treasure of
God's Kingdom is both a present and future reality for those who seek it.
What is this treasure Jesus offers so freely?
It is the joy of knowing the living God, being united with Him, and receiving
the inheritance of an imperishable Kingdom; a Kingdom of peace, joy, and
righteousness. Since our whole life is directed by that which He most values,
to set one's heart on heavenly treasure is to enter into a deeper and richer
life with God. Do we seek an earthly or a heavenly treasure?
In the Gospels, Jesus also used the image of
eyesight to convey an important spiritual principle. The eye is the window of
the heart, mind, and "inner being" of a person. If the window is
clouded, dirty, or marred in any manner, the light will be deflected and
diminished. Just so with the "inner being" of a person! How we
"see" affects the "inner life", "heart", and
"soul" of an individual. What can blind or distort our
"vision" of what is true, good, lovely, pure and everlasting"
(Phil. 4:8)?
As we reflect on today's Scriptures, may we
examine ourselves to see if we are living according to right principles or if
we might be misguided by prejudice or some other conceit. Love "is not
jealous...but rejoices with the truth" (1 Cor. 13:4, 6).
Heavenly treasures come from a humility that
makes us look to God as the Source of all life and holiness. They are a result
of simplicity, making us realize that lasting values are found in goodness,
love, and unselfishness. Athaliah is an example to us. We must not make the
mistake of basing our lives on a search for false treasures.
Let us continue are faith journey
together!