Store Up Treasure in Heaven

 

In a world that urges us to measure success by possessions, influence, and fleeting accomplishments, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly lasts. The words of Jesus echo across the centuries with burning clarity: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). For Catholic families and individuals striving to follow Christ, these words are more than a distant ideal—they invite us into an adventure of the soul where every sacrifice, every act of love, and every step closer to God builds an eternal legacy.

At Journeys of Faith, this Gospel summons is at the heart of everything we do. Inspired by the Eucharist, the lives of the saints, and the enduring miracle of God’s grace, our ministry exists to guide and encourage ordinary Catholics to live extraordinary lives of hope and holiness. Whether it’s through pilgrimages—physical or virtual—catechesis, or stories of faith, we believe that each of us is called to shift our gaze from the temporary to the eternal, from earthly riches to heavenly treasure.

The journey isn’t always easy. Temptations abound; distractions are relentless. Yet Christ promises that every offering, every moment spent in prayer or service, every embrace of the Cross, is noticed and rewarded by our loving Father. The saints show us that true wealth isn’t found in what we accumulate but in what we surrender to God. Let us walk this path together—drawing from the wisdom of the Church, the heroic witness of the saints, and the power of the Eucharist—discovering how we, too, can store up treasure in heaven and become living beacons of Christ’s hope in our world.

Jesus’ Call in the Sermon on the Mount

In the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers words that immediately challenge our perspective: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). With gentle authority, He draws a line between fleeting worldly attachments and the radiant, everlasting treasures found in union with God.

Christ does not condemn the material world—He Himself walked among us, sharing in our daily realities. Instead, He invites us to lift our gaze, to reflect on where we invest our hearts and hopes. Each earthly possession, no matter how cherished, is subject to decay and loss. But the treasures stored in heaven—acts of charity, fervent prayer, humble service, and a deepening love for Christ—can never be stolen or destroyed.

This call from Jesus echoes through Catholic tradition and lived experience. The saints, from St. Augustine to St. Therese of Lisieux, understood this truth: authentic fulfillment flows not from accumulating wealth or status, but from emptying ourselves for God and others. When we respond to Christ’s invitation, we discover a paradox—surrendering earthly attachments fills us with a peace and freedom that no earthly treasure can mimic.

Jesus’ words stir hope and challenge us to examine our hearts. Are our lives centered on building God’s kingdom, or do we settle for what is temporary and shallow? In prayer, worship, and every small daily choice, Christ beckons us to invest in eternity, confident that no sacrifice for Him is ever lost.

Earthly Wealth vs Eternal Riches

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In the modern world, we are constantly bombarded with messages urging us to pursue material success—money, possessions, recognition, and security. These things are not inherently evil; indeed, the fruits of our labor can be expressions of God’s providence and our collaboration in His creation. Yet Christ’s words in Matthew 6:19-21 offer a profound challenge: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

This teaching turns the world’s logic upside down. Earthly wealth fades, corrodes, and can disappear in an instant. No stock portfolio, home, accomplishment, or reputation endures forever. These gifts are temporary, ultimately unable to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. The Church, in her wisdom, warns against the illusion that material prosperity guarantees lasting happiness or salvation.

Eternal riches, by contrast, are imperishable. The Catechism reminds us that every act of charity, each prayer offered, and every sacrifice made for the love of Christ has everlasting value (CCC 1825). The treasure we store up in heaven is composed of grace, virtue, and a growing participation in God’s own life—a richness the world cannot see but which endures beyond death.

To live with this perspective is nothing less than radical hope. It means measuring our lives not by what we accumulate, but by how we love—how we serve the poor, honor our families, forgive enemies, and surrender daily to the will of God. When we shift our focus from fleeting rewards to the promises of Christ, we find a deeper freedom: our identity and destiny are anchored in an inheritance that can never be taken away.

The Heart Follows the Treasure

Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew resound with piercing clarity: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). In this simple yet profound teaching, He reveals a truth that can radically reorient our entire lives. The reality is undeniable—we are drawn to that which we value most. If earthly security or fleeting pleasures dominate our priorities, our hearts become anchored in what can never truly satisfy and will ultimately pass away.

But imagine, for a moment, what happens when our greatest treasure is not material wealth, popularity, or success, but the eternal gifts promised by Christ. The saints show us that making God our treasure transforms everything. Saint Francis of Assisi joyfully abandoned riches for the “pearl of great price” (cf. Matthew 13:45-46). Saint Clare treasured the Eucharist above all gold, and through her faith, saw miracles unfold. Even today, countless Catholics recognize that when we store up treasure in heaven—choosing prayer, sacraments, acts of mercy, and fidelity to the Gospel—our daily lives are infused with hope and purpose.

This is not about despising the good things of the world. Rather, it’s about placing them in their proper order. When heaven is our aim, and Christ our focus, every moment—no matter how ordinary—becomes an opportunity for growth in virtue. The heart, once restless and divided, is gathered and set aflame for things eternal. That’s the radical invitation Christ gives to all: To look at where our time, energy, and love are spent, and allow Him to turn our desires toward the undying treasure that awaits.

Saints Who Embraced Holy Poverty

Throughout the centuries, the Church has been blessed with countless saints who boldly lived the Gospel’s call to “store up treasure in heaven” by renouncing worldly riches. Their lives shine as vibrant witnesses to the power of detachment, showing us that authentic joy springs not from material accumulation, but from surrendering everything for the sake of Christ.

Consider St. Francis of Assisi, whose radical embrace of poverty startled his contemporaries. Born into a wealthy merchant family, Francis heard the voice of Christ urging him to rebuild the Church and live “without money or property.” He joyfully abandoned his inheritance, clothing himself in rough tunic and humility, walking the roads of Italy with nothing but the Gospel. Through this poverty, St. Francis discovered an immense spiritual wealth—a heart set free to love God and neighbor without reserve.

St. Clare of Assisi, deeply inspired by Francis, founded the Poor Clares and insisted that her community possess “nothing of their own, neither property, nor income, nor anything whatsoever.” United to Christ, the sisters’ penitent poverty became a fruitful witness to the world, radiating a joy and peace that only God can give.

St. Benedict Joseph Labre, the “Beggar Saint,” chose a life of perpetual pilgrimage and embraced destitution as his vocation. Wandering from shrine to shrine across Europe, he relied completely on Divine Providence and the kindness of others. Despite his ragged appearance and meager possessions, Benedict was renowned for his gentle spirit, profound prayer, and deep interior joy.

And who could forget St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta? Her absolute trust in God’s providence and renunciation of material security enabled her to serve the poorest of the poor with heroic love. She often said, “Only in Heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them.”

The pattern repeats through history: saints strip away excess to make room for God. Their freedom from possessions was not just an act of penance, but an act of hope—placing all their security and treasure in Christ’s hands. Through them, the Church invites each of us to consider how we might loosen our grip on earthly goods and draw nearer to the riches that never fade.

Detachment in Catholic Spirituality

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Detachment is one of the most profound—yet most misunderstood—principles in Catholic spirituality. At its heart, detachment is not about abandoning the world or denying the goodness of creation. Rather, it’s about ordering our loves rightly, making sure that nothing stands in the way of our ultimate love: God Himself.

Christ’s teaching, “Store up treasure in heaven” (Matthew 6:20), is a direct invitation to practice detachment. He asks us, not to despise material blessings, but to hold them with open hands, recognizing their temporary nature. This isn’t an easy ask. We’re surrounded by messages urging us to accumulate, to cling, to define ourselves by what we have. Yet the saints—those radiant examples of Gospel living—consistently witness to the joy and freedom that flows from letting go.

Saint Augustine, whose own conversion story is woven with the theme of detachment, wrote: “God alone satisfies.” Only by loosening our grip on earthly possessions, ambitions, and honors can our hearts become spacious enough for Heaven’s treasures. Detachment, then, is about freedom. It’s the deliberate choice to make God our first love, so that every other love can find its rightful place.

This doesn’t mean rejecting the good things of life; rather, it means using them wisely, with gratitude, never letting them become idols. Whether it’s wealth, relationships, reputation, or even comfort, Catholic tradition teaches us to enjoy all as gifts, but to rely on none for our ultimate fulfillment. In this way, we prepare our hearts to receive what Christ offers: the imperishable riches of eternal life, love that never ends, a home that cannot be shaken.

Detachment is a daily discipline, forged in prayer, sacraments, and the small choices of trust we make moment by moment. As we grow in this virtue, our longing for “treasure in heaven” deepens, and so does our capacity to love magnificently—both God and neighbor.

Almsgiving as Investment in Eternity

Imagine a wealth that cannot collapse with the markets, a return on investment unaffected by the whims of the world. Our Lord, in the Sermon on the Mount, commands us not to “store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,” but instead to “store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). What a radical invitation—a shift in priorities from fleeting possessions to everlasting riches.

Almsgiving—our tangible expressions of charity and mercy—becomes the currency of heaven. When we generously serve the poor, support the Church, and offer assistance to those in need, we are not merely performing kind acts. We are, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church insists, cooperating in the saving mission of Jesus Christ (CCC 2447). These acts echo into eternity. The saints remind us repeatedly: Saint John Chrysostom preached that “wealth is not evil, but its misuse. Use wealth, therefore, to achieve virtue… Heaven, not the earth, should be your granary.”

True almsgiving demands sacrifice. We give not from what is extra, but from what matters, putting God and our neighbor above comfort and self-reliance. In this way, almsgiving is not just about the recipient—it transforms the giver, purifying the heart, teaching us trust, and anchoring hope in God’s providence. Each gift, no matter how small, becomes a seed of faith, a spiritual deposit that outlasts empires and echoes in eternity. In the quiet anonymity of charity, we find an intimacy with Christ Himself, who proclaims, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

To invest in eternity, then, is to align our hearts with Kingdom values. Through almsgiving, we embrace our call to be witnesses of Christian hope, letting our faith take concrete form in love, generosity, and radical trust in God’s promises.

Eucharistic Adoration: The Pearl of Great Price

Imagine searching the world over for treasure—a masterpiece buried beneath layers of time and trial. For Catholics, that treasure is not myth or metaphor, but the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Eucharistic Adoration stands as the radiant pearl, drawing souls to bask in the eternal love of our Savior. Here, hearts encounter Christ face to face, hidden yet wholly present under the humble form of bread.

How awe-inspiring it is to quietly kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, to join with angels in adoration of the same Jesus who was cradled by Mary, who performed miracles, suffered for our sake, and rose in glory. In the stillness, burdens are exchanged for hope, anxieties for peace, and longing hearts for hearts ablaze with charity. Time before the Eucharist becomes a foretaste of heaven, where souls are purified, renewed, and strengthened for the journey toward holiness.

When we store up treasure in heaven, nothing matches the worth of time offered to the Lord in Adoration. This holy practice isn’t an escape from the world, but a divine strengthening, sending us back as witnesses shining with joy and mercy. Saints and mystics throughout Church history—St. Augustine, St. Clare, St. Peter Julian Eymard—testify that each hour before the Eucharist shapes eternity and fuels our mission to spread the Good News. Through this sacred encounter, every Catholic is invited to rediscover the boundless riches Christ offers to those who seek Him with open hearts.

Works of Mercy: Currency of Heaven

When Jesus commands us to "store up treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:20), He is inviting us to invest our lives in something truly imperishable—God’s love, alive in concrete action. In the kingdom of God, the currency that holds value is not gold or status, but the works of mercy done out of love for Christ and neighbor. Every act of kindness, every sacrifice made in secret, every tear wiped away for another, becomes a precious deposit in the treasury of the Lord.

The Church, echoing Christ’s teaching, identifies both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy as pathways for storing up true treasure. Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick—these tangible acts root faith in daily life. So do spiritual works: forgiving offenses, instructing the ignorant, praying for the living and the dead. In these, we encounter Christ Himself: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

For Catholics, these merciful deeds aren’t just admirable—they’re essential. They shape our souls and remake the world around us. By performing works of mercy—quietly, humbly, and for God's glory rather than human praise—we trade in the true economy of heaven. The saints repeatedly teach that such acts echo in eternity, far outlasting earthly riches. And as we grow in charity, our hearts become more attuned to God’s own, opening us ever more to His grace and the inexhaustible hope He promises.

Marian Trust and Total Surrender

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When our Lord commanded, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He gave us not only a call but a roadmap, inviting us to a life rooted in trust and utter dependence on God. Among the saints, none embodies this invitation like the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her entire existence was an act of trusting surrender—from the Annunciation, where her humble “Fiat” echoed through eternity, to her steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross. To embrace Marian trust is to consent to God’s will even when the road is shrouded in mystery, suffering, or uncertainty.

Mary’s trust was not passive resignation. It was a determined yes, a wholehearted handover of all anxieties, dreams, and plans. In her, we see what total surrender looks like: she allowed God to script her story in ways she could never have foreseen. For Catholics desiring to “store up treasure in heaven,” imitating this trust isn’t simply a pious exercise—it’s spiritual warfare against the temptation to place security in material things and worldly accomplishments.

Living out Marian surrender transforms every aspect of our lives. It moves us to turn over our fears for our families, our relentless striving, our fear of inadequacy, and even our longing for control. Through prayer, especially the Rosary, we are drawn into the school of Mary’s heart, learning to respond with her hope, her daring faith, and her peace—the peace that comes from letting go and letting God be God.

Total surrender does not empty us; it fills us with the fullness of divine life. In this way, Marian trust unlocks the graces necessary for storing up the only treasure that lasts—the friendship of Christ and membership in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Building Spiritual Capital Through Prayer

Imagine your heart as a treasury that stores not gold and silver, but moments of grace and fidelity. In the teaching of Jesus—“Store up treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys” (Matthew 6:20)—prayer becomes the key currency for building that spiritual wealth.

Prayer is not only a lifeline to the Divine but also a deliberate act of investing in eternity. Every genuine “Our Father,” each whispered Hail Mary, every silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, adds to this invisible reserve. But, unlike earthly investments that can be lost or stolen, the fruits of prayer are incorruptible and secure for all eternity.

The saints teach us that consistent prayer transforms the soul, opening it to God's grace and helping us discern His will. Saint Augustine, the Doctor of Grace, insisted that “prayer is the key to heaven.” Whether offering intercessions for a loved one, seeking forgiveness, or simply listening in quiet contemplation, we are building up our spiritual capital—sometimes in ways only God Himself can measure.

In times of restlessness or discouragement, it is prayer that renews our hope and reorients our desires to the things above. Through prayer, we encounter Jesus personally, draw strength for daily trials, and receive consolation that endures beyond fleeting earthly pleasures. This is the unbreakable promise of storing up treasure in heaven: every moment of authentic prayer remains a precious deposit in our heavenly inheritance.

Conclusion: Choose Heavenly Treasure, Choose Hope

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In the journey of our faith, the words of Jesus—“Store up treasure in heaven”—echo as an invitation to anchor our hearts beyond the fleeting promises of this world. At Journeys of Faith, we believe every act of charity, every moment of prayer, every offering of our daily trials becomes a priceless investment in eternity, forging a legacy of hope for ourselves and those we love. The saints show us the way: by living lives ablaze with selfless love, Eucharistic devotion, and unwavering trust in God, they have left behind the spiritual riches that continue to inspire and guide us.

Let us recommit ourselves to this call. Whether we encounter Christ in the Eucharist, on virtual pilgrimages, or within the silence of personal prayer, every choice we make for love’s sake draws us closer to the eternal treasures that will never fade or fail. The mission entrusted to Journeys of Faith is to walk with you—to inspire, to teach, and to celebrate the glorious heritage we share as Catholics. May our hearts remain fixed on what is above, storing up riches in heaven, as we journey together in hope toward our true and everlasting home.

Take the Next Step: Store Up Treasure in Heaven With Journeys of Faith

Your heart is made for eternity. At Journeys of Faith, we invite you to go beyond the treasures of this world and invest deeply in the riches that truly last—a relationship with Christ, devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and a life anchored in hope.

Are you ready to embrace Jesus’ call to “store up treasure in heaven”? Here’s how you can strengthen your faith and become part of a community on fire for the Gospel:

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• Explore our Virtual Pilgrimages: Walk in the footsteps of the saints, witness Eucharistic miracles, and encounter the Blessed Mother—all from home. Our streaming content and DVDs bring the sacred sites and miracles of the Church directly to you.

• Deepen your Catholic knowledge: Browse our collection of books, newsletters, and catechetical media, curated to inspire spiritual growth and equip you for evangelization.

• Support faith formation: Your donations help us continue our mission, spread the message of Christ, and provide vital resources for Catholics around the world.

• Visit the Holy Family Mission: Experience prayer, reflection, and renewal at our Arkansas retreat center, featuring a replica of the Holy House of Loreto.

With Journeys of Faith, you’re not just a bystander—you’re an active pilgrim, storing up treasure that endures forever. Join us today and walk confidently toward the heavenly inheritance Christ promises.

FAQs About Storing Up Treasure in Heaven

What does store up treasure in heaven mean?

To “store up treasure in heaven” means choosing to seek spiritual riches—virtues, acts of love and service, and deeper intimacy with God—rather than simply accumulating material possessions or worldly status. For Catholics, it’s a call to orient our lives toward what is eternal, not just what is temporary or visible.

Where is the phrase store up treasure in heaven found in the Bible?

This phrase is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus instructs: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Who said store up treasure in heaven?

Jesus Christ Himself spoke these words during His Sermon on the Mount, teaching His followers the difference between earthly and heavenly priorities.

How do you store up treasure in heaven?

Storing up treasure in heaven happens through loving God above all, performing acts of charity, practicing the virtues, partaking in the sacraments, engaging in prayer, embracing sacrifice, and living according to Christ’s teachings. It means making daily choices that reflect the Gospel.

Does storing treasure in heaven mean giving up wealth?

Not necessarily. Jesus calls us to rightly order our relationship with wealth—recognizing all we have as gifts from God and being generous stewards. It’s not about having or lacking wealth, but about using what we have for good and not letting material possessions become our god.

Is storing treasure in heaven only about money?

No. While generosity with our finances is important, storing treasure in heaven encompasses every part of our lives—our time, talents, acts of mercy, prayers, sacrifices, and living out our Christian vocation. It’s a total response of love to God and neighbor.

Why does Jesus say to store treasure in heaven?

Jesus wants us to set our hearts on what truly lasts. Earthly treasures fade, but what you do for love of God and others endures eternally. This reorientation brings real hope, freedom, and purpose, drawing us into deeper union with Him.

What is the opposite of storing treasure in heaven?

The opposite is becoming attached to worldly things—hoarding possessions, seeking honor or pleasure above all else, or living for oneself. Such attachment blinds us to eternal realities and limits our openness to God’s transformative grace.

Are good works a way to store up treasure in heaven?

Yes. While our salvation is a gift from God, faith without works is dead (see James 2:17). Every act of kindness, every moment offered to God, every sacrifice made for love, builds lasting treasure in heaven, united to Christ’s own sacrifice.

How are treasures in heaven different from earthly treasures?

Heavenly treasures are incorruptible—eternal rewards, spiritual joy, closer union with God, and the communion of saints. Earthly treasures pass away. As Catholics, we’re called to invest in what death cannot take away: a heart transformed by grace and a soul destined for eternal glory.