Treasure in Heaven

I was completely shocked last summer when I received a few thousand dollars from a generous benefactor. I was free to spend the money however I liked and they suggested that I invest it into something important to me. This surprise gift came at the perfect time because I was in the process of shopping for a used car and I was also pinching pennies to pay my rent. (It takes a lot of time to rebuild your life after you leave the convent!) My teaching job at my parish’s thriving school felt very secure and I was so peaceful in my new home, a little artist loft. A financial planner could have advised me to invest in mutual funds or real estate, but I decided to wait and pray because my heart did not desire those things.

In the Gospel today, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19) Some earthly treasures decay your senses, destroy your priorities, break into your schedule, and steal your time. “But store up treasure in heaven.” Other treasures are lasting, safe, and protected. These treasures in Heaven are places of life and freedom and joy. We are invited to enjoy the treasures of our Heavenly Father’s House!

Yes, I knew that I wanted some of this unexpected money to go towards a treasure in Heaven. I wanted to make an investment in my spiritual life, but the details were still clouded. In prayer a few months later, Jesus helped me to clearly see my desire for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. So after months of prayer and research, I decided to make a two month solo pilgrimage this summer. Today I am in Rome and on Monday I depart for Nazareth. Please pray for my safe travels, but most importantly, that my heart will be able to receive treasure in Heaven.

We are invited to enjoy the treasures of our Heavenly Father’s House!Click to tweet

And the good news is that no matter where you are in the world, the Father has treasures in Heaven for your heart, too. Let’s open our hands to receive them today!

Rose Coleman is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here. She is the author of our Blessed Conversations: Ways to Pray study found here.