Reading the scripture passages for this weekend, words came to my mind that used to strike fear into my heart as a child. They’re from Matthew 16:26 where it says: “for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” I don’t think I’ve ever seen a message more clearly stated than in this Sunday’s bible passages. The reading from Ecclesiastes very basically says (paraphrased): “work as hard and accumulate as much as you want, because in the end, God is not going to judge you based on how much you own.” (There’s a bumper sticker that says: “I’ve never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch.”) St. Paul in his letter says, “think of what is above, not what is on the earth.” In other words, we have been reborn spiritually (“put on a new self”) so that the things of this world should rank dead last on our priority list. All that God wants to give us is what will give us true happiness. Finally, Jesus Himself reemphasizes the foolishness of being caught up in the mad scramble for possessions. In the parable, He shows us how foolish it is to draw your security from what you own. Why? Because 1) no amount of it will satisfy you, and 2) either your possessions (or you) can disappear in the blink of an eye. Those who live in the Southwest U.S. can testify personally that all that you own, all that you think gives you identity, can be destroyed in seconds. So, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6: 19-21)

-Deacon David