THIEVES ROBBING TREASURE
In ancient times, a burglar, referred to in Greek as a “wall-digger,” could easily break into homes constructed from sun-dried bricks or loose stones (Job 24:16; Ezek 12:5). These thieves could swiftly steal any treasure kept within the house or hidden beneath the floor. Thus, everything accumulated with selfish intentions could be lost in an instant, leading to despair.
Nations often waged wars to seize hidden treasures from temples, palaces, and mansions. An example from scripture illustrates this: “In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem. He took everything, including the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the house of the king, even the gold shields Solomon had made” (1 Kgs 14:25-26). Consequently, the Jews lost treasures they had considered precious for many years.
Ecclesiastes reflects the anguish of relying on worldly wealth: “I hated all my toil in which I had labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me – and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun” (Eccl 2:18-20). Jesus offers a solution by advising us to use our efforts to gain treasures in heaven, bringing us the joy of helping others and securing a reward from God.
James, echoing Jesus’ teachings, warns the rich: “You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he does not resist you” (Jm 5:3b-6).
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are called to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and the enduring value of heavenly treasures. The treasures we store in heaven are incorruptible and reflect our acts of love, mercy, and justice. In a world where material possessions can be lost or stolen, our true security lies in the treasures we accumulate in heaven by living out the teachings of Christ. By focusing on spiritual riches, we not only prepare ourselves for eternal life but also bring hope, comfort, and assistance to those in need around us. Let us strive to use our resources to glorify God and uplift our neighbors, embodying the selfless love of Christ in all our endeavors.