Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:28). In this Sermon Jesus gives us his authoritative teaching.
“When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying…” (Matthew 5:1-2)
“When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” (7:28-29).
In this sermon Jesus tries to focus us on what really matters, that is, knowing and doing God’s will. God’s will is that we be “poor in spirit,” that is to be humble, merciful, and peacemakers. (5:1-10). God’s will is that we love not only our neighbor but also our enemy (5:43-47). God’s will is that we perform “righteous deeds” not to be seen by others but to be seen by God (6:1-18).
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches that earthly treasures mean nothing: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.” We are called to stores up treasures in heaven by loving our neighbor and enemy since that is Godlike:
“For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (5:46-48).
Godly perfection is showing compassion and mercy: “Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36). When we show mercy, love, and forgiveness we are truly storing up everlasting treasures. “But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.”
Today’s Gospel ends with a reflection that really is a question for each of us: “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” So, I need to ask myself today, where is my treasure? What is most important to me? What receives my most times, energy and passion? Is my treasure on earth or in heaven?
Image: “Sermon On The Mount” by roberthuffstutter is licensed under CC BY 2.0.