But store up treasures in heaven

21 JUNE (Mt 6,19-23)

The truth about this world’s goods is easy to be spoken about. Everything a man possesses or acquires or receives is either a fruit of his work, or a gift that God gives him. However, it is not a gift entirely for himself, but it is also one for others. He is due just what he needs to live today. Tomorrow the Lord will see to it again to provide for everything.

What he does not need he must turn it into a capital to be deposited in the bank. The transformation of the things that are not needed to man today occurs through a very simple way: almsgiving. Everything that is superfluous must be given in alms and alms is kept in chests as if it were cash, always ready to be used in every small or great necessity. A great faith is needed to see cash in the coffer of almsgiving. It is invisible money. This can be seen only with the faith. If faith is lost, not even money can be seen and man falls into a panic. He thinks he has nothing, while he owns everything.

He does a kindness who lends to his neighbor, and he fulfills the precepts who holds out a helping hand. Lend to your neighbor in his hour of need, and pay back your neighbor when a loan falls due; Keep your promise, be honest with him, and you will always come by what you need. Many a man who asks for a loan adds to the burdens of those who help him; When he borrows, he kisses the lender’s hand and speaks with respect of his creditor’s wealth; But when payment is due he disappoints him and says he is helpless to meet the claim. If the lender is able to recover barely half, he considers this an achievement; If not, he is cheated of his wealth and acquires an enemy at no extra charge; With curses and insults the borrower pays him back, with abuse instead of honor. Many refuse to lend, not out of meanness, but from fear of being cheated. To a poor man, however, be generous; keep him not waiting for your alms; Because of the precept, help the needy, and in their want, do not send them away empty-handed. Spend your money for your brother and friend, and hide it not under a stone to perish; Dispose of your treasure as the Most High commands, for that will profit you more than the gold. Store up almsgiving in your treasure house, and it will save you from every evil; Better than a stout shield and a sturdy spear it will fight for you against the foe (Sir 29,1-13).

For St. Paul instead another truth, which is also strong, exists. When through alms and charity a problem and the need of a brother are solved we acquire with God a credit card for the solution of not one, but of all our problems. One problem solved for many problems to be solved. Even for this truth be a strong faith is needed. Without a tenacious faith it is easy to get lost, to go astray in the moment of need.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity. Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, not a single church shared with me in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was at Thessalonica you sent me something for my needs, not only once but more than once. It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account. I have received full payment and I abound. I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, “a fragrant aroma,” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen (Phil 4,10-20).

Jesus teaches us the unnecessary accumulation. Every accumulated treasure is a lost treasure.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.

Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redemption, Angels and Saints free us from any accumulation.