In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we are the little flock to whom the Father gives the Kingdom; he gives it to us, hands it over to us as an inheritance. The group of disciples was small, and all of humble condition. Jesus makes a tender gesture and offers them this spiritual consolation.
He asks us to evaluate what treasures we hold in our hearts. What inexhaustible treasures do we have for Heaven—where bank accounts or material goods cannot reach? Many times, we are tempted to cling to material things, and often excessively. That is why he invites us to share our goods, for the true treasure is in Heaven.
What we treasure often comes from sharing and giving. From giving of ourselves. That same gift of Love the Father offers us in Christ Jesus.
This love we treasure—what kind of love is it? Can love be classified or measured? And why is love the treasure? Because sharing with others, uniting ourselves with others, makes us better people, lifts us from isolation, loneliness, and selfishness, and heals us from sadness.
Treasures must be sought and cared for. To seek this treasure of love means committing to love more each day, to make others happy and to be happy ourselves, by caring for the love we give and share.
Love is service, family affection, friends, shared life. We only grow this treasure by entrusting ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so that he may fill us with his immeasurable love—the more it is given, the more it grows. Through his total self-giving, Jesus invites us to fill our hearts with his love to give it without measure.
And now the question is: How do we enlarge our hearts so that this boundless love may fit? Jesus invites us to multiply our treasure each day. Every time we share his self-giving love through works of mercy—visiting the sick, seeking forgiveness and conversion, sharing and accompanying in joy and sorrow, committing to pray for one another, looking into the eyes of the most broken and needy, calling them by name to recognize their dignity as children of God—we grow this treasure.
Jesus says: Be ready, with lamps lit, like those who await their Lord, so that when he comes and knocks, they may open the door: blessed are those who wait for and welcome the Lord.
How do we stay ready, with our lamps lit, to respond when he calls? How do we stay always prepared to sit at the table close to him? We cannot wait for him with our arms crossed. We must take action, choose a path, remain available and alert. Stay active, awake, and attentive each day—to enjoy life, to be kind, compassionate, and joyful.
With every act of kindness toward those around us, we welcome Jesus into our hearts.
The people of Israel awaited the call; the first Christian communities shared their goods. All recognized the Lord’s mercy, his liberating power, his shield, and God’s help for his children.
All of this is founded on Faith—
Faith in a God who fulfills his promises. Today, we who are pilgrims on this earth live in hope of the citizenship of the Heavenly Homeland.
Are we ready for the eternity of the Kingdom of God?
How is our Faith?
Where is our Hope placed?
Prof. Norma Siacca
Argentina
Province of Saint Rose of Lima
