Gospel: Matthew 6: 19-23
The treasures we seek in the world are self-centered pursuits. We chase after money in order to horde it for ourselves, or we spend those monies on things for ourselves such as properties, cars, and entertainments. Even when we give the money to some charitable cause we often do so in order to purchase for ourselves some honor or award. This is the way of worldly treasure.
The heavenly treasure of which Jesus speaks is only one thing: God's mercy. It is the one and only treasure that matters, but unlike worldly treasure we seek to share this treasure and give it away to as many people as possible. This treasure has set us free from our self-centered lives and the hording of things for ourselves. This heavenly treasure sets us on a path of self-giving that gives life to others by providing them with this same gift of mercy we have received. For we discover that in giving mercy we do not lose it for ourselves.
So much of church life is spent in fundraising and in "stewardship" campaigns. We are about the treasure of the world to preserve our buildings and worldly assets. But the one treasure we do have - the one we should be giving away freely - the mercy of God we hold back for a select few. Jesus gave it to all without question or condition. It is for us to do likewise.
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