In 2 Chronicles 24, we find the story of Joash, the king of Judah, who was a godly king during a tumultuous time in Israel's history. Despite his youth and lack of experience, Joash was filled with a zeal for God and a desire to restore the temple, which had been neglected by his predecessors. The prophet Jehoiada guided him in this endeavor, and together they restored the temple and revived the worship of God. How beautifully reminiscent this is of Saint Francis being asked by Christ to restore his Church, and how powerful a reminder to us to look after what is sacred in our own lives?
Now, let's jump to today’s gospel in Matthew, where Jesus teaches us about the importance of prioritizing our values. He says, "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money" 6:24. Jesus is highlighting the tension between two fundamental allegiances: our allegiance to God and our allegiance to the world.
As we reflect on these two texts, we're reminded that true faith is not about compartmentalizing our lives or balancing competing priorities. Rather, it's about making a deliberate choice to prioritize God above all else. Just as Joash made a conscious decision to restore the temple and revive worship in Judah, so too must we make a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with God and restore reverence and worship towards him in our hearts and in our daily ways of living.
The temptation to serve two masters is real. We may think we can navigate both our earthly pursuits and our spiritual lives without conflict, but Jesus warns us that this is an illusion. The truth is, when we try to serve both God and something else – whether it be money, status, or even our own desires – we'll ultimately end up serving neither because our very energy output will be split, and most often at odds within itself.
In contrast, when we prioritize God above all else, we'll find that everything else falls into place. As Joash learned through his restoration of the temple, when we focus on pleasing God, He blesses our endeavors and guides us through life's challenges.
So, what are some ways we can prioritize our faith today? We can start by:
- Praying with intentionality: Set aside dedicated time for prayer and worship, just as Joash did when he restored the temple.
- Seeking guidance from spiritual leaders: Surround yourself with wise mentors who can guide you in your spiritual journey. Try to find a good spiritual director—one who’s suffered, and holy.
- Living with simplicity: Recognize that material possessions and earthly pursuits are not ends in themselves but mere means to an end – serving God.
- Trusting in God's sovereignty: Remember that God is sovereign over all things and that He works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
As we prioritize our faith and align our hearts with God's will, we'll find that every area of our lives – including our work, relationships, and finances – will be transformed by His presence.
May the Mother of God, whom our Lord gave us to be our Mother from the Cross, be our example, of a heart undivided—an Immaculate Heart which was focused and centered on her true treasure always. May God continue to be that treasure we have found hidden in a field which we will guard with all our lives, for the rest of our lives, which no thief can steal from us, nor moth destroy. Amen.
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