Using the image of an American TV commercial of Viking warriors asking “What’s in YOUR wallet today? Fr. Gregory Gay reflects on our “true treasure” at the closing Eucharist of the “Wise Money Management Conference” for Treasurers of the Congregation of the Mission, Paris, August 10, 2013
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Finding Our True Treasure: The Way of Jesus
Homily by Fr. G. Gregory Gay, C.M. Superior General
There is a popular American television commercial for a large bank and credit card company I often see when I go home to States for my summer vacation. It begins with a group of savage-looking invaders, like Viking warriors, storming through streets, shopping malls, and other public place terrifying all in their path. As they corner their prey, instead of attacking them, they pause, and ask one simple question: “What’s in YOUR wallet today?”
The catch phrase is, of course an appeal to get this credit card issued by this bank, so that one will be well-prepared for any emergency, even presumably a foreign invasion of marauders with clubs! But as whimsical as this commercial is, it touches upon a core concern of many people today: What is in my wallet? What funds do I have to meet my daily needs? How can I get what I need to care for my loved ones? Like any good advertisement, it is meant to amuse and disturb the consumer, so eventually, the person will buy the product.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks a question similar to that of this commercial: What is your true treasure? On what do you truly set your heart’s desire? It is a call to look beyond the externals of worldly wealth and societal status, and reflect on what is lasting, and what is truly of value. And Jesus begins this teaching as he does so often, with a simple disclaimer: “Do not be afraid.” (Lk.12:32) Whenever I see this phrase, I always brace myself, because I know the Lord is going to break new ground, and I must be ready to respond.
Isn’t it ironic that here we are at a conference on “Wise Money Management” and as Jesus invites us into his ‘kingdom’ we are told to “Sell your belongings and give alms”? (Lk.12: 33) In the way of the world, this is hardly a formula for wise money management! But the lines after this passage are critical to understanding what the Lord is asking. “Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.” (Lk.12: 34) Jesus always gets to the heart of the matter, doesn’t he? In speaking about an “inexhaustible treasure”, he does portray it the way many here would like it to be: an endless flow of money, comfortable, well-maintained buildings, and fully funded ministries. No, “treasure in heaven” is a call to a more radical leap of faith.
To the untrained eye without the perspective of faith, this appeal might seem naive or unwise. But when seen as part of our role as Christian disciples, and the heritage we bear as followers of St. Vincent, these words of Jesus are both comforting and challenging. They are comforting in that they remind us that all our efforts do not emanate and end from ourselves and our own provinces or organizations. A saying above the entrance to a Trappist monastery reminds visitors of an eternal truth: “God provides”. And this was a belief St. Vincent held quite strongly, as is seen in his devotion to the doctrine of Divine Providence.
Recall how often St. Vincent would undertake a new venture, and even with his careful planning, problems would inevitably arise. When the tide would turn against the project (usually due to financial or personnel problems), Vincent was a model of patience and faith. He believed that his treasure in heaven, and that God’s will and the person of Jesus Christ would stand him in good stead. This – not human acclaim- was his ultimate criteria for success.
Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel challenge us as well. “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Lk.12:35) This subtle and beautiful observation by Jesus gets to the heart of what is truly in our wallet (or moneybag). The Kingdom of God that Jesus preached, taught about, and called all his disciples to embrace, is not a place manifested in the external signs of earthly honors and accord. No – God’s Kingdom is revealed in the Paschal Mystery, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is an inner journey calling us to a change of heart, a new perspective, to ‘look beyond’ the banal materialism in today’s world with a vigilance for the Master’s arrival to lead us more deeply into the mystery of his love for us.
Thankfully, the scriptures today give us a great example of a person of faith who allowed God to lead him to find true treasures. Imagine the plight of Abraham, our father in faith. An old man, settled in his ways, he was called by God to pick up and move to a foreign land. He was also told that he and his wife would conceive a son in their elderly years, and to start a new nation as God’s chosen people. What allowed Abraham to accept the challenges God put before him? The reading from Hebrews tells us simply: it was faith. Abraham “thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy” (Heb.11:10) And so he willingly left his earthly treasures of home, property, familiarity, trusting that the promises of God would be revealed to him at a later time. Talk about taking the ultimate leap of faith!
In our time together, we have reflected much on the demands of your work as people imbued with the Vincentian charism of service, demanding much attention and vigilance on your part. When the duties and pressures of work seem stifling or even overwhelming, we can forget the last line of the Gospel spoken to us: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much…” (Lk.12:48) We need to remember that each of us is given the opportunity to be that ‘prudent steward” who keeps vigilant watch for the Master. But this parable is not meant to be a scare tactic, but a summons to embrace greater service and to trust in the Lord Jesus.
How are we to do this? By accepting the ‘inexhaustible treasure’ of God’s Word and the Eucharist, given to us for nourishment, strength, and clarity of thought and deed so we can show others what “faithful Christian stewardship” looks like today. As we reflect on what we have experienced and learned in these days, let us always seek the ‘inexhaustible treasure’ of God’s wisdom, made manifest in Word, sacrament, and the presence of Jesus. In doing so, we will truly find that both our treasure and our heart will be one and the same. Then, we will become, in the words of the first reading “the children of the good.” (Wis.18:9)
Readings for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12, Luke 12: 32-48
Tags: Gregory Gay, Homily
