‘Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.’ (Matthew 6:20, RSV-CE)

Jesus teaches us in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, true wealth is not found in material possessions but in treasures stored in heaven. This divine economic principle, which we can call “Christonomics,” guides us in investing in eternal riches through the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.

Gospel Verses

Jesus speaks about storing treasures in heaven in the following passages:

  • Matthew 6:19-21 (RSV): “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay 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 will your heart be also.”
  • Luke 12:33-34 (RSV): “Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Commentary from the Saints

Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine, in his “Sermon on the Mount,” emphasizes the transient nature of earthly wealth and the eternal nature of heavenly treasures. He writes, “Temporal goods are not truly our own; we are merely stewards. Eternal goods, however, are promised to us as our inheritance, and we must seek them with all our heart.”

Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas, in his “Summa Theologica,” discusses the theological virtue of charity, which directs us to love God above all things. He explains, “The treasure in heaven is the reward of eternal life, which is given to those who live according to the precepts of charity. Thus, the highest investment we can make is to live a life of love and service.”

John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross, in his work “The Ascent of Mount Carmel,” teaches that detachment from material possessions is essential for spiritual growth. He writes, “The soul that is attached to anything, however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of divine union. For whether it be a strong wire rope or a slender and delicate thread that holds the bird, it matters not, if it really holds it fast; for, until the cord be broken, the bird cannot fly.”

Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Avila, in her book “The Interior Castle,” speaks of the importance of inner riches over outer wealth. She says, “It is foolish to think that we will enter heaven without entering into ourselves, coming to know ourselves, considering our misery and what we owe to God, and begging Him often for mercy.”

Thérèse of Lisieux

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “Little Way,” highlights the significance of small acts of love and sacrifice. She writes, “It is not our works, but our love which will gain us the treasures of heaven. Jesus does not look at the greatness of our actions, but at the love with which they are done.”

Sacraments: Foundations of Spiritual Wealth

The sacraments are the bedrock of our spiritual economy, each one a vital transaction in our journey towards holiness:

  • Baptism initiates us into the Christian community, cleansing us from sin and marking the start of our spiritual life.
  • Eucharist offers the ultimate nourishment through the body and blood of Christ, sustaining our spiritual journey.
  • Reconciliation provides the grace of forgiveness, keeping our spiritual accounts balanced and free from the burden of sin.
  • Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders each offer unique graces to support and enrich our spiritual lives.

Prayer and Worship: Daily Investments

Engaging in regular prayer and worship is akin to making daily deposits into our heavenly account:

  • Mass is the central act of worship, a communal offering of praise and thanksgiving.
  • Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies the day with prayer, marking each moment with divine significance.
  • Devotional practices like the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet deepen our connection to God and the saints.

Acts of Charity and Service: The Currency of Love

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are Christonomics in action, transforming our love into tangible investments in God’s kingdom:

  • Feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and other acts of charity are direct investments in the welfare of others.
  • Counseling the doubtful and praying for the living and the dead enrich our community and draw us closer to God.

Sacramentals and Devotions: Tools for Holiness

Sacramentals and devotions are powerful tools that amplify our spiritual investments:

  • Holy Water, Crucifixes, and Scapulars remind us of our faith and commitment.
  • Practices like the Stations of the Cross and Eucharistic Adoration deepen our spiritual engagement.

Indulgences: Maximizing Our Spiritual Returns

Indulgences, both plenary and partial, offer a way to remit the temporal punishment due to sin, enhancing our spiritual portfolio:

  • Plenary indulgences grant full remission under specific conditions, such as receiving the sacraments and praying for the Pope’s intentions.
  • Partial indulgences are obtained through various acts of devotion, penance, and charity.

Conclusion

Christonomics is about prioritizing our spiritual investments, ensuring that our focus remains on the treasures that last for eternity. By participating in the sacraments, engaging in prayer and worship, performing acts of charity, utilizing sacramentals and devotions, and seeking indulgences, we follow Jesus’ teachings and store up treasures in heaven. This divine economy not only enriches our souls but also brings us closer to the ultimate treasure: eternal life with God.

Bibliography

Biblical References

Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version (RSV)

  • Matthew 6:19-21
  • Luke 12:33-34

Commentaries from Saints

  • Augustine, Saint. “Sermon on the Mount.” New City Press, 2001
  • Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. Benziger Bros., 1947.
  • John of the Cross, Saint. The Ascent of Mount Carmel. Translated by E. Allison Peers. Image Books, 1958.
  • Teresa of Avila, Saint. The Interior Castle. Translated by E. Allison Peers. Image Books, 1961.
  • Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint. Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Translated by John Clarke. ICS Publications, 1996.

Catechism and Official Church Documents

  • Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd edition. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997.
  • Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. USCCB Publishing, 2006.

Additional Resources