Boasting in Weakness

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ
The Storing True Treasure
Reflection Date: June 20, 2025  Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30; Matthew 6: 19-232

Today’s readings offer profound insights into Christian discipleship, sacrifice, and the true nature of spiritual treasure.

Paul contrasts his sufferings with the boasting of others. He lists his hardships—beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and various dangers—to show that his strength comes from Christ. He finds true strength in his total surrender to God. His sufferings are not a sign of failure, but a mark of faithfulness, even in the darkest moments. His treasure is not earthly power or prestige, but the power of Christ working through his frailty. In a world that pampers and glorifies success, comfort, and promotion, Paul’s example calls us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel, finding our joy in Jesus.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He warns against materialism, emphasizing that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He goes on to speak of the eye as the lamp of the body. If our vision is clear and focused on God, our whole being will be full of light. Jesus urges us to keep our spiritual vision clear by surrounding ourselves with wisdom, truth, and goodness. He calls us to invest our treasures in works of compassion, acts of righteousness, and helping others with love.

In a culture obsessed with image, accumulation, and power, these passages call us back to the upside-down economy of the Gospel. The way to gain is to give—and to give up. The path to true life is through surrender.

Call to Action: 

• Like Paul, face hardships and challenges as opportunities to grow into a mature, spiritually motivated person.
• Set your heart on the things of God and the values taught by Jesus. Then, your life will reflect true meaning and fulfillment.