Bev Franco Essay - San Francisco Theological Seminary

focus. We only see our own needs – the things we have that must be protected from
decay and theft, and the things we want and need. Those whose loyalty belongs to God,
on the other hand, are focused outwardly and are aware of the needs and sufferings of
others. Just as we can choose to focus either on things near or far when looking out at the
world, we can choose whether our spiritual focus is on the wide world or strictly on our
material possessions.
In this passage, Jesus also contrasts light and dark bodies. Light is a quality of
God. “O Lord my God,” the psalmist sings, “You are very great. You are clothed with
honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:1-2). “For the Lord
will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory” (Psalm 60:19). Darkness
is the absence of God, which is why Hell, in spite of its fire, is a dark place. 29
If our eyes are generous, focused on the needs of the world, our bodies will be
filled with light. If our eyes are greedy, focused on our own or others’ material
possessions, the light is removed, and our bodies are dark. As Jesus laments, if the light
of God goes out in us, how great is the darkness! It is the difference between heaven and
hell.
We focus on and give our hearts to the things that we think will bring us security.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and
where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
moth and rust do not consume and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (6:19-21).
Treasure can be anything valued, loved and protected. In this passage, however,
because the earthly treasure can be eaten by insects or stolen by thieves, it clearly refers
29 Allison, 144.
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