TRUE TREASURE
The treasure of
God's Kingdom is both a present and future reality for those who seek it.
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!