Thirtieth Meditation

(Ascent of Mount Carmel, book III: chapter 17-19)

'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
…No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.'" (62)


Joy's Freedom

The joys found in creatures and things
Are riches of the heart which dull
The lustre of life the Lord brings --
The One in Whom all joy is full.

The will can only serve one lord;
The riches of the heart will fight
For dominance -- idols adored
Will cloud the rays of heaven's light.

From lukewarm love to blatant greed,
The soul is conquered by degree.
For love to reign, there is one need:
To humbly serve with love that's free.

She strives for a heart clear and free;
His joy is rich in poverty.

62. Matthew 6:19-21,24


(c) Paul Buis, 2003