First Reading: (2 Kings 11:1–4, 9–18, 20)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 132)
Response: The Lord has chosen Zion for His dwelling.
Gospel: Matthew: (6:19–23)
Reflection
Today's mass readings present two very different kinds of kingship.
In the First Reading, we encounter a world driven by ambition, fear, power struggles, and violence. Athaliah is willing to destroy even her own family to secure her position. Her story reveals what happens when power becomes an idol. When self-interest reigns, people become obstacles to be removed rather than persons to be loved.
Yet God quietly works through faithful servants. While Athaliah believes she controls the future, God preserves His promise through the hidden child Joash. For six years, the rightful king remains concealed in the Temple until the proper time arrives. The lesson is clear: God's plans cannot be destroyed by human schemes. Evil may appear powerful for a season, but it never has the final word.
The Gospel shifts our attention from earthly kingdoms to the Kingdom of God. Jesus warns against storing up treasures that can be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Wealth, status, power, and possessions can provide temporary security, but they cannot satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart.
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This is a question each of us must answer honestly. What occupies our thoughts and hearts? What do we pursue most eagerly? What causes us the greatest anxiety when threatened? The answers reveal where our treasure truly lies.
Jesus is not condemning work, savings, or responsible planning. Rather, He warns against greed and misplaced priorities. When money, power, success, or possessions become our ultimate goal, they darken our vision and slowly take possession of our hearts. We begin to measure life by what we own rather than by who we are in God's eyes.
The contrast between Athaliah and Jesus is striking. Athaliah grasped for power and lost everything. Jesus emptied Himself in service and gained an eternal Kingdom. One built her life on earthly treasures; the other revealed the treasures of Heaven.
Today, Christ invites us to examine our hearts. Are we investing primarily in things that will pass away, or in things that will last forever? Faith, charity, mercy, forgiveness, prayer, and love are treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy.
May we seek first the Kingdom of God, trusting that the treasures of Heaven are worth far more than anything this world can offer.
Lord Jesus, help us to place our hearts where true treasure is found. Fill us with Your light, free us from greed and selfish ambition, and teach us to seek the riches that lead to eternal life. Amen.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Pal Ronnie
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