Friday, June 23, 2023 – 11th week in ordinary time
2 Cor 11:18, 21-30 Ps 34:2-7 Mt 6:19-23
Recently, I have seen several friends and family members start going through all the “stuff” they have at home. Either just wanting to get rid of it, or because they were moving. It was a major undertaking to go through all the junk they have accumulated over many years, and refreshing to see the end result – a thorough cleaning and elimination of excess. I got to thinking about all my “stuff” that I have accumulated and decided that I, too, needed to purge. However, it was not just the physical stuff I needed to purge, but also all the attachments I have to things unhealthy, things that were not good for my soul.
Jesus says it so clearly in the Gospel, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures in earth…but store up treasures in heaven.” He warns us to be careful about what we see, hear, and do. It is not just the physical stuff, it is also the things we watch on TV, in movies, and what we listen to on the radio. All those things fill our minds with enough junk to keep us away from thinking about God.
I am once again reminded about St. Ignatius and his thoughts on the matter. Is what I am about to say, watch, or do, bring me closer to God? If it does not, then it is time to do a 180, turn away, and run as fast as I can away from those things. We need, and must, draw closer to God in these trying times. The world is trying to pull us away with all its trappings and glitter. We need the things that fill our minds with the joy and glory of God! If it is not from God, and does not bring us closer to God, it does not mean anything! We need those things that fill our hearts with pure love, the love for Christ, and of Christ. Only then will we have a true treasure in heaven.
Saint James Catholic Church 