11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday 21st June 2024

“Do not store up treasures for yourselves!” (Mk 6:19).  Jesus cautions us from succumbing to the buying spree phenomenon at the touch of a screen. Hoarding in every aspect is a tell-tale sign of gluttony, greed and, soon, utter carelessness about others. What treasures do we store up? The wicked Althaliah was a hoarder of insecurity and inferior power. Having thought all the royal heirs were terminated, she was in her powerful mode. However, such wickedness and deception did not earn her a place in the people’s hearts. She faced a disgraceful death.

Today’s memorial of St Aloysius reminds us that even though of noble birth, he forsook his noble inheritance to join the Society of Jesus. Though he died at a young age while serving victims of plague, he had a place in the hearts of the Church and was made patron for young people. Aloysius saw the meaninglessness of worldly luxuries and debauchery at such a young age that he was willing to detach himself from his inheritance.

The eye is a window to the world. However, Jesus expounds it more clearly by saying it is a lamp to our bodily needs and desires. Our physical body may be finite but the immensity of our hearts to store up everything conceivable is awesome. Therefore, may we never succumb to the temptation of exploits in an abundance of free gifts.

Lord, open our eyes to see Your providence fulfil our basic needs today.