"But store up treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor decay destroys,
nor thieves break in and steal."
(Matthew 6:20)
Our perspective shapes our spiritual condition. We cannot serve both God and material wealth (mammon). Earthly treasures pale in comparison to His riches. It is important to invest in eternal things, not fleeting possessions. A healthy eye brings light; an unhealthy one brings darkness. Let us seek the light of God’s truth prioritizing God above all.
19 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. 20 But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; 23 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.” (Matthew 6:19-23)
In the heart’s quiet chambers, a truth unfolds, Our perspective shapes our spiritual mold. We cannot serve both God and mammon’s call, For earthly treasures, in His light, are small. His riches far surpass the fleeting gold, In eternal things, our investments hold. A healthy eye brings light, a beacon bright, An unhealthy one casts shadows, dims the sight. Let us seek the light of God’s pure truth, Prioritizing Him in age and youth. Above all else, let His love be our guide, In His eternal grace, let us abide. I hope this resonates with you! How does it reflect your thoughts and beliefs?
Dear Lord Jesus, our perspective shapes our spiritual condition, And we acknowledge that we cannot serve both You and material wealth. Earthly treasures pale in comparison to Your boundless riches. Help us to invest in eternal things, not fleeting possessions. Grant us a healthy eye that brings light, And protect us from an unhealthy one that brings darkness. Let us seek the light of Your truth, Prioritizing You above all else. Guide us to live in Your eternal grace, And let Your love be our constant guide. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
We should always remain vigilant against spiritual attacks by setting ourselves apart from worldly influences. Serving God often means staying pure and standing apart from the world. In these times, we need to be protected by way of repenting, fearing God, and surrounding ourselves with other faithful believers. Let us stay faithful to God as He is always faithful to us and find refuge in the body of Christ. When God restores and delivers, Let us rejoice and praise Jesus for our salvation and protection.
1 When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she began to kill off the whole royal family. 2 But Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, his son, and spirited him away, along with his nurse, from the bedroom where the princes were about to be slain. She concealed him from Athaliah, and so he did not die. 3 For six years he remained hidden in the temple of the Lord, while Athaliah ruled the land. 4 But in the seventh year, Jehoiada summoned the captains of the Carians and of the guards. He had them come to him in the temple of the Lord, exacted from them a sworn commitment, and then showed them the king’s son. 9 The captains did just as Jehoiada the priest commanded. Each one with his men, both those going on duty for the sabbath and those going off duty that week, came to Jehoiada the priest. 10 He gave the captains King David’s spears and shields, which were in the temple of the Lord. 11 And the guards, with drawn weapons, lined up from the southern to the northern limit of the enclosure, surrounding the altar and the temple on the king’s behalf. 12 Then Jehoiada led out the king’s son and put the crown and the insignia upon him. They proclaimed him king and anointed him, clapping their hands and shouting, “Long live the king!” 13 Athaliah heard the noise made by the people, and appeared before them in the temple of the Lord. 14 When she saw the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom, and the captains and trumpeters near him, with all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, she tore her garments and cried out, “Treason, treason!” 15 Then Jehoiada the priest instructed the captains in command of the force: “Bring her outside through the ranks. If anyone follows her,” he added, “let him die by the sword.” He had given orders that she should not be slain in the temple of the Lord. 16 She was led out forcibly to the horse gate of the royal palace, where she was put to death. 17 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord as one party and the king and the people as the other, by which they would be the Lord’s people; and another covenant, between the king and the people. 18 Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and demolished it. They shattered its altars and images completely, and slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars. Jehoiada appointed a detachment for the temple of the Lord. 20 All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet, now that Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the royal palace. (2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20)
In shadows deep, where darkness creeps, we stand apart from worldly tides, vigilant hearts, our faith abides. We should remain vigilant, steadfast, and true, against spiritual attacks that seek to undo. set apart, sanctified, our hearts aflame, in God’s embrace, we find our refuge’s name. Oh, body of Christ, our shelter and shield, together we stand, our faith unconcealed. Surrounded by believers, hearts intertwined, in unity, we find strength, peace defined. When trials assail, and storms fiercely rage, we cling to His promises on this pilgrimage. Fear not, dear soul, for God is our guide, His faithful love, our refuge, our tide. Repentance, our anchor; grace, our sail, in the tempest’s fury, we shall prevail. Together we worship, hearts lifted high, as God restores, delivers, and draws nigh. Rejoice, oh redeemed ones, lift voices above, praise Jesus, our Savior, His boundless love. Salvation’s song echoes through eternity, in the refuge of Christ, we find victory.
Gracious Father, in these tumultuous times, we seek Your guidance and protection. We recognize the spiritual battles that surround us—the subtle whispers of the world, the temptations that threaten our purity, and the attacks that seek to weaken our faith. Help us remain vigilant. Open our eyes to discern the enemy’s schemes. May we set ourselves apart from worldly influences, standing firm in Your truth. Grant us wisdom to recognize the subtle deceptions that seek to draw us away from You. Purify our hearts. May we serve You with undivided devotion, keeping our minds fixed on things above. Strengthen our resolve to stay pure, even when the world beckons us toward compromise. Let our lives reflect Your holiness. Surround us with faithful believers. We need one another—a community of support, encouragement, and accountability. Bind us together as the body of Christ. May our fellowship be a refuge where we find solace, encouragement, and shared faith. We commit to staying faithful to You. Just as You are faithful to us, we choose to trust Your promises. When doubts assail, remind us of Your unwavering love. In moments of weakness, draw us back into Your embrace. When trials overwhelm us, we look to You. You are our refuge, our strong tower. When You restore and deliver, our hearts overflow with gratitude. Jesus, our Savior, we rejoice in Your salvation and protection. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.
God’s promises endure. Our ultimate home is with Christ, all promises converge in Him. Christ fulfills God’s covenant. His reign is eternal, and His enemies will be put to shame. We should anchor our hope in God’s unchanging character. His mercies are sure and everlasting. Our desire is to honor God with our lives. Let us trust His faithfulness even when circumstances seem uncertain and seek to honor God through worship, obedience, and devotion.
11 The Lord swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.” (R) 12 “If your sons keep my covenant and the decrees which I shall teach them, their sons, too, forever shall sit upon your throne.” (R) 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. 14 “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.” (R) 17 “In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.” (Psalm 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18)
God’s promises endure, steadfast and true, in Christ, our home, all promises renew. His covenant fulfilled, His love a guiding flame, eternal reign, His enemies put to shame. Anchor our hope in God’s unchanging might, His mercies sure, everlasting light. Our lives to honor Him, in every way, trust His faithfulness, come what may. When circumstances seem uncertain, dim, seek to honor God, worship Him. Obedience, devotion, hearts pure and bright, in His love, we find our light.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging that Your promises endure forever. Our ultimate home is with Christ, where all Your promises converge. We thank You for fulfilling Your covenant through Him, whose reign is eternal and whose enemies will be put to shame. Lord, help us to anchor our hope in Your unchanging character. Your mercies are sure and everlasting, and we desire to honor You with our lives. Teach us to trust in Your faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Guide us to seek You through worship, obedience, and devotion. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we always find strength in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
TREASURE IN HEAVEN / THE LIGHT OF THE BODY
Matthew 6:19-21 / 22-23
First Reading
IV: The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
RULE OF ATHALIA
2 Kings 11:1-20
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
THE COVENANT BETWEEN DAVID AND GOD
Psalm 132:1-18
Related Blogs:
https://yourheavenishere.blogspot.com/2024/06/store-up-treasures-in-heaven.html
https://evangelizingtheworld.blogspot.com/2024/06/covenant-between-two-parties.html
https://passitonanddelegate.blogspot.com/2024/06/firm-promise.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
