Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Frater Anthony Ynzon SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Wednesday 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Science was never my favorite subject, but there is one lesson from my elementary school days that has stayed with me through the years. Our teacher explained that the stars are many light-years away from the earth. She said: “Since the light from the stars takes years to reach us, what you see in the night sky is actually the past. You may even be looking at a star that no longer exists.”
Imagine the wonder of seeing the past and the present at the same time! As a child, I spent many evenings gazing at the stars and searching for my favorite constellations, wondering whether they still existed or had already vanished forever.
Sadly, I lost that habit when I moved to the city for my studies. The bright neon lights of Manila were a far cry from the simple lamps of our barrio. Yet the city’s lights, attractive as they were, tended to outshine the stars. The stars are best seen in the quiet darkness of the countryside; trying to see them amid the endless brightness of the metropolis is almost futile.
Jesus speaks to us today in a similar way. Neon lights are not evil in themselves, but they can distract us from the stars. Material possessions, success, comfort, and worldly pleasures are likewise good in themselves, but they carry the danger of making us so content with what is temporary that we lose our longing for what is eternal. This is why Jesus warns: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
The Gospel (Luke 6:20-26) challenges us to ask ourselves what truly captivates our hearts. Are we so dazzled by the “neon lights” of this world that we no longer lift our eyes toward the Kingdom of God, towards the great gift of God in heaven and life eternal? Jesus reminds us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
As our schedules become increasingly crowded, we may find it difficult even to enjoy the simple pleasure of stargazing. The same danger extends to the treasures of the Kingdom. How long do we postpone contacting a lost friend? How long do we avoid speaking to an estranged family member? How much compassion do we fail to show our neighbors? How often do we neglect prayer, charity, and forgiveness because we are satisfied with the temporary glow of worldly attractions?
The Gospel invites us to rediscover being with God is what truly matters. St. Paul urges us: “Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).
The stars can still be seen by those willing to step away from the distracting lights. The treasures of heaven can still be found by those who make room for God amid the noise of daily life.
The Gospel’s message is simple:
Aim for the stars. Not the stars that fade, but the everlasting treasures of God’s Kingdom, where “your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
