This passage from Luke’s Gospel reminds me of a favorite hymn—“Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Shall Be.”  This is the time we are asked to discern what portion of our treasure we are able and willing to give to our parish church. We hear about the widow who had no surplus but offered her total treasure.

The widow inspires me to also name treasures of a different kind: relationships—with family, friends, and God; the gift of time—healthy relationships require time; moments of heartfelt peace. These are my treasures.

How easy it is to get caught up in the lure of holiday consumerism with the flurry of advertisements for Black Friday sales! During this week of Thanksgiving, let’s focus on our treasures and give attention to how we spend our time. Notice how stress builds when we succumb to those influences that detract from what we treasure. Do relationships suffer? Is our attention to prayer diminished? Whatever treasures you hold deep within your heart—let them be your guide.

—Pat Schloemer is a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio, and in her fourth year of service with the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps. Pat and Sam Schloemer have been married 54 years, have 4 married children, and 11 grandchildren.

This passage from Luke’s Gospel reminds me of a favorite hymn—“Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Shall Be.”  This is the time we are asked to discern what portion of our treasure we are able and willing to give to our parish church. We hear about the widow who had no surplus but offered her total treasure.

The widow inspires me to also name treasures of a different kind: relationships—with family, friends, and God; the gift of time—healthy relationships require time; moments of heartfelt peace. These are my treasures.

How easy it is to get caught up in the lure of holiday consumerism with the flurry of advertisements for Black Friday sales! During this week of Thanksgiving, let’s focus on our treasures and give attention to how we spend our time. Notice how stress builds when we succumb to those influences that detract from what we treasure. Do relationships suffer? Is our attention to prayer diminished? Whatever treasures you hold deep within your heart—let them be your guide.

—Pat Schloemer is a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio, and in her fourth year of service with the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps. Pat and Sam Schloemer have been married 54 years, have 4 married children, and 11 grandchildren.