Finding the Treasure

Two weekends ago, my family had a rummage sale again after not having had one for a few years.  It was a great feeling to do some major cleaning and get rid of a lot of stuff that had built up over time but that we didn’t need.  It was a time of organizing and decluttering.  I think this experience of decluttering can, in a small way, relate to our lives as followers of Jesus.  

Reading today’s Gospel presents a challenge, especially in today’s world.  Americans love stuff and we have a lot of it.  We live in a materialistic world that tries to tell us we need to have the best and newest version of everything and that our worth is based on what we have.  A lot of our focus is on the “treasures” of this world rather than the treasure in heaven.  Oftentimes, we seem to become consumed by the possessions we have.  While material things are not bad and they allow us to enjoy ourselves, accomplish tasks, and live well, there is always the chance that we can become attached to these things and the pleasure they bring us.  Sure, a new car is great and that big house is proof of our hard work, but do they offer us something that Christ does not?  Having new cars, big houses, and the latest iPhone is not an issue at all.  It is when we become attached to these material possessions and the pleasures they may bring that it becomes a problem.  Do we rely on the things we have more than the real treasure that is found in the Lord?

Most of us are not called to give up all our possessions and live in poverty.  However, we are all called to examine the things in our lives that we cling to that prevent us from growing closer to Christ.  It is not just material items that can keep us from growing closer to God either.  We can dig even deeper and look inward, at the spiritual clutter we may have.  What things are in our hearts and minds that stop us from having a deeper relationship with Christ?  Negativity, comparison, worry, and pride are just a few things that can harden our hearts and make it difficult for us to better follow Jesus and love how we should.  When our minds and hearts are filled with unnecessary burdens, we can miss out on the love, joy, peace, and goodness that we are offered.

​My hope is that we can all remember that Jesus is the only treasure that can fully satisfy our hearts and fulfill all of our deepest longings.  Will we give up what we have in order to follow Him?