Emmaus Walk / Debra Tomaselli

Make the time to put on spectacles of faith

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Mt 6:19-21).

While visiting Universal Studios theme park my daughter, her friends and I were given 3D glasses to view a particular attraction.

We weeded our way through the darkened maze, encountering one thrill after another. My glasses fell off shortly after entering the crowded entry, but I still enjoyed the kaleidoscope of ghosts, clowns and vampires.

As we were exiting, the children began describing colorful characters that I had failed to see. It seems that without the 3D glasses, I could only experience part of the attraction even though I was unaware of it at the time.

The same can happen to us as we measure our accomplishments in life. We can value our actions attentive to only part of the experience, unaware that the richest adventure lies hidden beneath the divine dimension.

Scripture prompts us to set our goals on heavenly values rather than on earthly assessments. And if you are like me, we are both comforted and challenged by this simple reminder.

After all, we are bombarded daily with subliminal messages of success. Our status symbols keep a tally. We can measure the bottom line, assess our profits and grade our measurable accomplishments. Striving for worldly recognition, the view from here can look complete when the applause mounts.

But there is more to the scene.

Shadowing our outward achievements is the sacred decision to endorse humble deeds. We may step aside to congratulate a competitor. We may choose gratitude in a difficult situation. We may devote ourselves to a thankless job, maintaining a gracious attitude. We may be the first to choose forgiveness.

Put on the spectacles of faith. Enter into the adventure. Choose priceless endeavors.

We are all invited to set the highest priority on our selfless efforts, hidden generosity and acts of kindness.

And when we do, we can rest assured that the One keeping score will place an everlasting value on our incalculable actions.

(Debra Tomaselli lives in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Her column appears in several diocesan newspapers. Her e-mail address is dtomaselli@cfl.rr.com.) †