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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, […]

but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven […]

for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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– Matthew 6:19-21  (NIV)

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REFLECTION…

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It is foolish to presume a long life,

when we are not guaranteed a single day.

How many have you known

who were taken by surprise?

Death comes to everybody.

Life passes swiftly, like a shadow.

So while there is still time,

“store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

We must walk as pilgrims and strangers on earth

for whom the things of this world –

money, possessions, power, property –

hold no final attraction.

We must keep our hearts free of things,

and lifted up,

“for here we do not have an enduring city,

but we are looking for the city that is to come.”  [Heb 13:14]

Man’s heart yearns for a treasure

which will give him security and happiness.

However, every treasure

in the form of earthly goods –

wealth, property –

becomes a constant source of worry,

because there is always the risk

we will lose it

or because the effort to protect it is such a strain.

Against this, Jesus teaches us

that our true treasure lies in good works

and an upright life,

which will be eternally rewarded by God in Heaven.

That indeed is a treasure

which one never loses,

a treasure on which Christ’s disciple

should put his heart.

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[inspired by the writings of Thomas à Kempis]

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PRAYER…

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Father, I know

that the only true security I can ever have is in You.

Please give me wisdom

as I seek to use my time, my talents, and my treasure

to honour You

and to bring others to You.

Majestic Father, I pray

that out of the riches of Your grace,

You may help me find my treasure in You

and in nothing else.

I want to offer You

all that I am and have,

so that my life will be lived for Your glory.

In the name of Jesus, my example and treasure, I pray.  Amen.

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Amen.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, You are my treasure!

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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The Holy Spirit

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[CCC]

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