This morning at Mass, the gospel reading was from St. Luke, chapter 16 - the story of Lazarus, the poor man, who suffered greatly in his earthly life, but was consoled afterward in the bosom of Abraham. The rich man, who ignored poor Lazarus in this life, was tormented in the next, because he was concerned only for his own enjoyment. Abraham says to him, "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented."
This evening at home I was reading Edith Schaeffer's wonderful book, What Is A Family? In a chapter about family finances, she mentions St. Matthew's chapter 19 - the story of the rich, young ruler. Jesus says to him, "...If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
Edith Schaeffer then says, Jesus is also speaking very naturally of "treasures in heaven", indicating that there is a "bank account" there being filled with what human beings give away. (my emphasis)
What a thought!
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