Consider the Treasure of the Heart at Christmas

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In the world today there is a prevailing attitude that “It’s my life and as long as I’m not hurting anyone, I can do whatever I want to do.” Usually this attitude is not accompanied by any concern for others. This attitude, often, leads to apathy, indifference and, worst of all, living a self-centered life. This attitude, clothed in semi-pious language, is an excuse for living a self-absorbed life.

As Catholics, we have a fuller, deeper and longer view of life. We believe that our actions here and now affect our quality of life in this world and impact our eternal destiny in the next. Life on earth can be enhanced by giving ourselves to God and attempting to follow His commandments; we believe that, ultimately, life is not a dead-end street.

From Sacred Scripture we see that Jesus came to give us abundant life, (John 12:12). Also, we know that Sacred Scripture teaches us to experience the happiness of heaven we must know, love and serve God in this world. In the Gospel of Matthew we read, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. ... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Where is the treasure of our heart?

Are we content to live our life by taking the path of least resistance, striving always for personal comfort and pleasure? Or, are we willing to “pick up the cross” in service to God and others? Remember the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): God asks to take what He has given us, to nurture and develop our gifts, and return with increase.

We are called to use our gifts to glorify God and to serve others – this is what adds meaning, purpose and joy to our life and prepares us for eternal life in heaven.

In Sr. Charlene Altemose’s book “What You Should Know About the Saints,” she says, “What you are is God’s gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.”

Christmas is a time to offer gratitude for all that God has given us, our family, our employment, our friends but mostly to acknowledge and receive the greatest gift of all – the Child in the manger.

John Kaloudis is director of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Stewardship.