Reflection for June 20 Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:19-23

Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

 + + + + + + +

Reflection:

There were two friends named Glenn and Juan. Glenn was a man of the world—his heart was set on becoming rich. He poured much of his time and energy into growing his business, constantly thinking of ways to increase his wealth. In the eyes of the world, he was a great success; he eventually became one of the richest men in their town. But in the process, he became so consumed by worldly pursuits that God no longer had a place in his life. 

Juan, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. He wasn’t driven by a desire for riches. He was content with his simple job in the government. What mattered most to him was his relationship with the Lord. He was a devout man, never failing to attend Holy Mass and always ready to lend a helping hand in the community. His life radiated quiet faithfulness. 

In time, both friends passed away. Juan had a peaceful journey into eternal life and was welcomed into heaven. But Glenn was not as fortunate. Saint Peter denied him entry, for he had spent his life storing up treasures on earth—where moth and decay destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 

Whether we realize it or not, many of us tend to live like Glenn. We become overly concerned with material things and how others perceive us. We chase success, comfort, and recognition, forgetting that all of these are temporary. As Scripture reminds us, it’s like “chasing the wind.” All these earthly things will eventually slip through our fingers. 

What truly matters is that we store up treasures in heaven—where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. We do this by staying close to God, living with a spirit of humility and gratitude, and expressing our love for Him through acts of mercy, kindness, and compassion. 

Let us always remember that this world is not our final home. We are just pilgrims passing through. Therefore, let us put God first, above all else. May our hearts be set not on the passing things of this world, but on the eternal joy that awaits us in His Kingdom. – Marino J. Dasmarinas