February 22, 2023

"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, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21)

This famous passage from the Sermon on the Mount is always included in the Ash Wednesday lections for good reason. From dust you were created and to dust you shall return. The treasures you have stored up, assuming they survive moth, rust, and thief, will be of no use when you return to dust.

Treasure in heaven, as I understand it, is treasure that lasts. That treasure is reaped now through love. And, according to Jesus, that love is expressed in 2 specific ways: love of God and love of neighbor.

Pretty clear, isn’t it?

“Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Ash Wednesday – BCP)