I once read a story about a man from a small town in Alabama who had become quite wealthy. Wanting to make a difference, he began giving his money away. He first made a generous donation to his church. He then donated land and funded the construction of a children’s playground. Finally, through a grant, he offered several million dollars to upgrade a local hospital.
Not long after, during the real estate crash of the 1980s, he lost everything and declared bankruptcy. His wife said to him, “You gave so much away. Don’t you wish you had all that money back?” He replied, “No. I would have lost that money, too. Now, I can never lose it.”
The man’s wisdom reveals a deeper truth: what we give away in love for others, we never truly lose. This echoes the heart of the Gospel message – one that Jesus Himself lived and taught.
Over the centuries, Jesus has been known by many titles, each one reflecting the role He played. He brought healing to the sick, so we call Him “The Great Physician.” He taught with such wisdom that His words still shape our world today, earning Him the name “The Master Teacher.” He embraced outcasts and those whom society looked down upon, and so we call Him “The Friend of Sinners.”
In today’s Gospel, however, Jesus takes on a lesser-known role – the role of an investment advisor. In this area, Jesus is never given a title. He does not speak about stock portfolios, but He teaches us what we should do with our treasure.
Some might think Jesus is out of His range on the subject. What could a poor Carpenter know about money? Investment was reserved for the rich. At the time of His death, Jesus owned nothing but the robe on His back.
Yet His words reveal the greatest financial truth of all. Jesus teaches that the most secure investment we can ever make is in the things we give away – whether material or spiritual. He calls this investment, “A treasure in Heaven that no thief can steal and no moth can destroy or decay.”
A wise investor plans for their living, their retirement, perhaps even for their children. But a truly wise investor plans for eternity, by investing in people. Because people, not possessions, are what will endure. People will go to Heaven, but earthly possessions will not.
And it doesn’t always mean money. We can give our time, our compassion, our presence. A listening ear. A helping hand. A kind word.
Many will remember Muhammad Ali, a famous boxer. Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room in Heaven.” And service, just like generosity, is a powerful investment.
So, my friends, take a moment to reflect. Think about your treasures. Where are you storing them? Where are your investments truly going?
