Friday 19 June – Friday of week 11 of the year

Reflection: Matthew 6:19-23

MAKING THE BEST SAVINGS

From our basic knowledge of economics we all appreciate the importance of having good savings and investments as forms of financial safety net. These explain why some do market analysis and seek the advice of financial experts on the best way to invest their money. These undoubtedly are wise financial measures. However, no matter how astute our investment initiatives are, we sometimes find ourselves in precarious financial state. The global financial crisis of 2007-2009 is a case in point; many people lost fortunes of investments in seemingly stable financial establishments across the globe. Some never recovered from this, their hearts were so tied to their fortunes and they could see no way out of their great losses.

Beloved in Christ, much as it is desirable to have reasonable savings and investments; as Christians, we are not expected to be preoccupied with wealth amassment; neither should our dependence or trust lie in the money or materials we possess ( Luke 12: 13-21). If our hearts are tied to earthly riches, we probably lose faith when we lose them; for where a man’s treasure is, there will his heart also be (Matthew 6:21). In today’s gospel, we are encouraged to make the best savings, ones with both earthly and eternal gains, immune from thieves, moths and woodworms of this earth. Beyond this world’s economic formula of wealth acquisition and diversification, we are called to operate by the principle of liberality and generosity. This is not equivalent to being spend thrifts or being financially indisciplined. Rather, it is a call to a loving readiness to share the wealth entrusted to us as stewards of God as occasion demands.

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed (Proverbs 19: 17). As youths we need not wait till we start making earnings in the five digits and above before we are committed to supporting charitable ventures. The time to start is now. What we give in support of the Lord’s mission (2King 4: 8-17; Matthew 10:42) and to the less privileged are credible investments with eternal gains. 

PRAYER: Grant me oh Lord a loving and generous heart! One free from inordinate attachment to riches but sees You as the source of all that I have and need. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2443- God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them…It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones.

Hide a Treasure: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 GNB

Today’s readings: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30; Psalms 34:2-7; Matthew 6:19-23