REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SHIFTING FOCUS: BUILDING UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:18,21-30
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 33(34):2-7
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:19-23
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In a world consumed by materialism and driven by fleeting ambitions, we are called to shift our focus to what truly matters—our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. Our lives should be defined by the pursuit of justice, love, compassion, and service to others. Let us invest our time, energy, and resources in building up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can corrupt and where our hearts can find everlasting peace and fulfillment – a truth that calls us to examine our priorities, embrace the wisdom of God, and find strength in our weakness, as today’s readings remind us.

To begin with, the Gospel of Matthew unveils a profound truth that challenges the very foundation of our materialistic world. Jesus admonishes us not to lay up treasures for ourselves on earth, where they are susceptible to decay, theft, and loss. Instead, He calls us to invest in treasures of eternal significance, treasures that are stored up in heaven. These treasures transcend the temporal and embody the virtues of love, kindness, compassion, and generosity. Jesus implores us to examine the orientation of our hearts, to shift our focus from the transient to the everlasting. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Turning our gaze to the First Reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul humbly shares the challenges he faced as a servant of Christ. He speaks of his imprisonments, beatings, and dangers, painting a vivid picture of the trials he endured for the sake of the Gospel. These could be described as Paul’s way of building up treasures for himself in heaven through the pursuit of justice, love, compassion, and service to others. Needless to say, amidst his sufferings, Paul demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the gospel and mission. He recognizes that his weaknesses and vulnerabilities are not obstacles but opportunities for the power of Christ to be made perfect. In this remarkable testimony, we find inspiration to embrace our own difficulties, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us through every trial we face. We are reminded that in our weakness, we can find strength through our reliance on the infinite strength of our Heavenly Father.

Dwelling on Paul’s experience above, we can now understand why today’s Psalmist reminds us to take refuge in the Lord, for He is our shelter and our deliverer. In a world fraught with uncertainties and challenges, the psalmist’s exhortation echoes through the corridors of our hearts, inviting us to trust in the Lord’s providence and find solace in His presence. Let us respond to this invitation with open hearts and open minds, experiencing the richness of God’s love and finding joy in the knowledge that we are held securely in His embrace.

In the convergence of these readings, we find an invitation to embark on a transformative journey—one that compels us to rise above the distractions and allurements of the world and align our lives with the eternal truth of God’s Kingdom. We are called to embrace our weaknesses, trusting that God’s strength will sustain us in every circumstance. We are beckoned to taste and see the goodness of the Lord, finding refuge and joy in His presence. And we are challenged to reevaluate our priorities, investing in treasures that bear lasting significance. As we contemplate the depth and breadth of these passages, let us allow their wisdom to penetrate our souls and ignite a flame within us. May we be inspired to live with purpose, seek God’s guidance in every decision, and extend our love and compassion to those around us. May these readings serve as beacons of truth, guiding us along the path of righteousness, and illuminating the beauty of a life lived in devotion to our Heavenly Father.

Dear friends in Christ, the words of the apostle Paul resound in our ears, inviting us to embrace our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. It is in acknowledging our limitations that we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God’s grace. When we surrender our pride and rely on God’s strength, His power is made perfect in us. Our weaknesses become opportunities for His glory to shine through, and we discover a strength that surpasses our own. May we be mindful of our priorities, investing in treasures that have eternal significance. Let us taste and see the goodness of the Lord, trusting in His provision and finding joy in His presence. And, let us embrace our weaknesses, knowing that in our vulnerability, God’s strength is made manifest. May the wisdom of these passages guide us in our journey of faith, shaping our hearts, minds, and actions according to the will of our Heavenly Father. And may our lives reflect the radiance of the treasures we have invested in heaven.

(CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT DAY’S REFLECTION: REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY – SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST)

Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, Vila Medeiros, São Paulo.
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?