Daily Gospel Reflection for June 21, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the transitory nature of many things treasured in this life. He says that earthly riches can easily be destroyed by moths and decay. The possessions that seem so important to obtain on earth will almost always be reclaimed by the natural world, signified by the moth, and by time, signified by decay. Many great civilizations, from ancient Greece to the Roman empire to the mighty Incas, have been relegated to ruins and comments in history books, despite all their achievements, power, and prosperity.

Besides time and nature, there is also the possibility of thieves who can “break in and steal.” Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t say “Beware! People will want to steal from you if you are wealthy!” He just reminds us that if our treasure is in worldly possessions, then we will inevitably find ourselves spending a lot of energy trying to protect it. Even if a break-in never actually occurs, how much anxiety and concern will we experience, worrying about “What if?” Just as trying to escape nature and time is a fool’s game, excessively worrying over anything that can be stolen by others can become a type of slavery. We cannot serve both God and mammon.

As we begin again today, let’s take stock. This one day, June 21, 2024, will not come again. What work is God calling us to do, right here and now, in the hours set before us?

Ponder:

What heavenly treasure -- faith, service, kindness, love -- can we store up today?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, help us seek the treasure You want us to value. Guide our steps so that we may use this day well.

Copyright 2024 Sarah Pedrozo