Be vigilant in love
Be vigilant in love
Trust in providence
Trust in providence
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Lk 12:34)
The evangelist, Luke, reports that Jesus shared this teaching with his disciples as they were walking towards Jerusalem, the place of the Passover of his death and resurrection. On the way, he addressed them as ‘little flock’ [1] and he confided all that lay deep within his heart and soul. These thoughts included a need for detachment from earthly possessions, trust in the Father’s providence, inner vigilance and the importance of living in active expectation of the Kingdom of God.
In the preceding verses, Jesus encouraged the disciples to have an attitude of detachment and not worry about themselves or even their own lives. He told them not to be concerned about material needs because their Father in heaven knows all that is necessary. He invited them instead to seek the Kingdom of God and encouraged them to accumulate ‘a sure treasure in heaven.’ [2] Jesus was not promoting a passive and disinterested attitude towards earthly things or irresponsible conduct at work. His intention was to take away our anxiety, our restlessness and our fear.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
In this context, the ‘heart’ means the unifying centre of the person that gives meaning to everything he or she lives; it is where there is sincerity and no deception or pretence. It usually indicates one’s true intentions, what one really thinks, believes and wants. The ‘treasure’ is what is most valuable to us and, therefore, our priority. It is what we believe gives security both now and in the future.
Pope Francis wrote: “In a world where everything is bought and sold, people’s sense of their worth appears increasingly to depend on what they can accumulate with the power of money. We are constantly being pushed to keep buying, consuming and distracting ourselves, held captive to a demeaning system that prevents us from looking beyond our immediate and petty needs.”[3] But, in the innermost depths of every woman and man, there is an everpresent search for that true happiness that does not disappoint and that no material goods can satisfy.
Chiara Lubich wrote: ‘Yes, there is what you seek: in your heart there is an infinite and immortal yearning; a hope that does not die; a faith that breaks through the darkness of death and is light to those who believe: it is not for nothing that you hope ,that you believe! Not for nothing! You hope, you believe in order to LOVE.’[4]
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This Word invites us to make an examination of conscience: what is my treasure, what do I value most? The answer may have many nuances such as economic status but also fame, success and power. Experience tells us that we must continually bring ourselves back to real life that does not simply slip away, to the radical and demanding life of evangelical love:
‘It is not enough for a Christian to be good, merciful, humble, meek and patient… In relationship with neighbours, he or she must practise the charity that Jesus taught us. […] For charity is not a readiness to give life. It is giving life.’ [5].
We should love every neighbour we meet during the day (in the family, at work, everywhere) with this measure. If we live not thinking of ourselves, but thinking of and living for others, we experience true freedom.
Prepared by Augusto Parody Reyes & the Word of Life Team
[1] Lk 12, 32
[2] Lk 12,33
[3] Pope Francis Dilexit nos, no. 218
[4] C. Lubich “Letters of the Early Times.” June 1944, Città Nuova Editrice 2010, p. 49.
[5] Cf. C. Lubich extract taken from conference call
Photo: © Valéria Rodrigues – Pixabay
Where is my heart?
The ‘heart’ is the unifying centre of the person that gives meaning to everything he or she lives; it is where there is sincerity and no deception or pretence. It usually indicates one’s true intentions, what one really thinks, believes and wants.
This Idea invites us to ask ourselves what we think is most important? Where does each one of us put our hope, our energy, our lives and our hearts? The answer may have many different nuances: it may be love or giving, or relationships with others, but it may also be economic status, fame, success, power or our own security.
True freedom starts first of all from the heart. Accumulating material goods can lead to a sense of frustration as we encounter the many changes that life brings. Detachment from them can help us live with more transparent commitment to work and engagement in society thus overcoming anxiety, restlessness and fear for the future.
Pope Francis, says, “In a world where everything is bought and sold, people’s sense of their worth appears increasingly to depend on what they can accumulate with the power of money. We are constantly being pushed to keep buying, consuming and distracting ourselves, held captive to a demeaning system that prevents us from looking beyond our immediate and petty needs.” [1]
Experience tells us that we need to continually bring ourselves back to real life which is the best “investment” for which we can strive. Thinking not of ourselves but of others enables us to experience true freedom.
Philosopher and humanist, Erich Fromm, reminds us of this when he states, ” Giving is the highest expression of potency. In the very act of giving, I experience my strength, my wealth, my power. This experience of heightened vitality and potency fills me with joy.”[2]
Before whatever we do, let’s ask ourselves what is the motive for our actions: why are we acting in this way? And if we see that we need to reorient the intention, let us do so decisively. We will see that our hearts will be free from limitations and conditioning.
[1]Pope Francis “Dilexit Nos” no. 218
[2]Erich Fromm The Art of Loving (1956)
Photo: © Alejandra-Ezquerro-Unsplash
Be detached from earthly goods
Be detached from earthly goods