Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 72; Evening, Psalm 119:73 to 96;
Leviticus 19:1 to18; 1st Thessalonians 5:12 to 28; Matthew 6:19 to 24:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
I think of this verse, in reverse. I think that I first consider what my heart desires and then realize that my heart’s desire is my treasure. Treasure is often thought of as money. We can’t eat money. Money is our community currency that has a long shelf life – longer than wheat, or live stock, or anything we could use to trade with. Money, therefore, is a tool for trade and commerce, nothing more.
Knowing myself the way I do I think my heart’s desire is peace. I always cringe at the onset of any kind of hostility. I loathe domestic violence, bullying, and all hate initiated behavior. Therefore peace is my treasure.
I think for me, strongly connected with peace is eternal life, which I believe is ultimate peace. I hope, pray and trust that joining Christ in paradise will be the eternal place of peace where there will be no more crying, forever. This then is my ultimate treasure. And it is first based on my heart’s desire.
Perhaps this is some insight into why I am so disturbed by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. This is hate fueled violence and bullying on an international scale. It’s just as bad as in-home domestic violence. It is sinful and evil. It is in stark contrast to my passion for peace, my heart’s desire and ultimate treasure. Thank You Lord Jesus, for you are the prince of peace who has sent your Holy Spirit to shepherd us into that peaceful and eternal paradise where you are, in order that we may be there also.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 