Daily Gospel Reflection for June 18, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today’s gospel reminds me of another favorite scripture, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Col 3:1-2). Being able to store up treasures in heaven or seek what is above requires a lot of reflection on what really matters most. It prompts people to take stock of their lives - their priorities, their thoughts, their actions - and consider who is being allowed to guide along the way.

Living within secular contexts, there are plenty of values that align with this world, rather than heaven. We have the challenge to live in the world but not be of the world. Study of virtue can provide a roadmap for personal growth towards storing up treasures in heaven and conforming our hearts to Christ’s.

Because so much of what is above is counter-cultural, it is essential to have a support system in place of others who are also seeking what is above, who have invested in forming their consciences aligned to the faith. Within these faith-filled friendships we can remind each other what matters, lovingly point out areas for growth, and provide encouragement through challenges. Studying the lives of Saints, and how they sought what was above amidst trials, is another layer of support that can provide inspiration over time, including the moments when we do not have a sense of faith-filled friendships in place yet.

Most of all, building our lives on the firm foundation of prayer and the sacraments - especially the Eucharist - will help us to recognize the beauty of the promise of heaven and shape our thoughts and actions.

Ponder:

What are the layers of community in place to encourage you with your efforts to store up treasures in heaven? How can you intentionally invest or prioritize in order to strengthen those layers?

Pray:

Loving Lord, help me to recognize the areas in my life in which I am building up treasure on earth, rather than in heaven. Lead me towards an ever-increasingly abundant life as You conform my heart to Yours; reveal the supports you are providing to aid me on my journey.

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Building our lives on the firm foundation of prayer and the sacraments will help us to recognize the beauty of the promise of heaven and shape our thoughts and actions. #dailygospel

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