June 20, 2025

Matthew 6:19-23

In this reading, first Jesus reminds us that any wealth or possessions we accumulate on earth are subject to impermanence.  A house can burn down or be destroyed in an earthquake or tornado. The stock market could suddenly lose half its value.  Wealth is impermanent; there are no guarantees. What do we truly own that can be counted on?

Jesus teaches us to put our focus on spiritual wealth, “for where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” If we’re always stressing about whether we can pile up more money as a guarantee against future needs, that focus becomes our life, and it is futile, because money can go as fast as it came. But if we focus on spiritual development, that becomes our life.  Which one do we want to remember at the end of our lives? Later in this same chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus says that if we seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, “all these things will be added to you,” and everything else will work out.  So it is not an either/or proposition, but rather a matter of priorities.

He then gives another analogy. If your eyes are healthy, you can see light.  It is as if light fills your body. But if your eyes are not working right, all is darkness. This can mean that if your perspective is focused on the Light, you are filled with light; but if you are not, you have darkness in your life. Best to focus on the Light, trust in God, and see what comes.

Of course this is not meant to minimize true hardship, when we can’t find work, can’t buy food, and can’t feed our families. But even as we seek much-needed work and funds, when we focus on the Light, we ourselves have a glow about us. Our eyes are soft, our face is smiling, and we have a gentle way, which can attract good things. Amen.