…store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21
These words from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew come from the Sermon on the Mount, a great section of teaching from Jesus, and a very challenging section of scripture. Many times these verses above are connected with storing up monies or wealth or stuff here on earth as opposed to treasures in heaven. And, while this connection is a good one to make, I wonder if there isn’t much more to it than that.
The Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday includes some portions of Matthew 6, namely verse 1-6 and 16-21. In these verses Jesus instructs his followers on things such as fasting, and alms giving. He is giving them basic instructions on piety, and he says in verse 1 that we should not practice our piety in front of others in order to be seen by them. In fact, he says, “beware” of doing that, because then you won’t be rewarded by your Father in heaven. So, what is going on here? Is it as simple as God’s not liking show-offs, so God won’t reward you if you do? Perhaps, but that seems a bit trite I think. Maybe there is something else going on. Continue reading “Where your treasure is…”