Matthew 6:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If such negativity does not swiftly get expelled from one aspect of the soul, it might extend to adjacent areas, leaving marks of its destructive influence wherever it goes. Conversely, if one’s inner being remains steadfast, this negativity will attempt to manifest itself through external situations; it can breach the heart's treasury or drain the soul's storehouse, as passions like anger and sorrow can taint the mind. Accordingly, in the celestial storehouses, as the Lord declares, there are no moths, pests, or malicious threats. Based on the teachings we have discussed, our efforts ought to be directed toward that realm, where accumulated treasures are protected from theft and decay, where they not only endure eternally but also yield varied fruits like seeds. The reward must be substantial, reflecting the nature of the one safeguarding the treasure. As beings acting in accordance with our nature, we offer small gifts, which is consistent with our essence; hence, it is only appropriate that He who possesses all should repay the modest contributions with His boundless generosity. Therefore, let no one be disheartened when contributing to the Divine storehouses according to their ability, but rather hold fast to the hope of the promises from Him who has assured that He will transform the small into the abundant, and the heavenly in exchange for the earthly, the eternal for the temporal. These blessings transcend human understanding and articulation, as the divinely inspired scriptures convey: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).

You also possess a means of ascent from earth to heaven—the cross of salvation—and there are steps to climb: the teachings of the true Gospels. So ascend these steps to the heavenly abodes, that you may be glorified eternally. Also, take heed of my words."

Yet in this final teaching, He highlighted the inherent worthlessness of riches themselves, demonstrating that the call to disregard wealth is not merely for the sake of others but rooted in its intrinsic lack of value. Even if one is not actively consumed by greed, one should still treat riches with disdain and share with the impoverished. To further encourage this perspective, He pointed out the futility of hoarding treasures on earth versus the eternal reward found in heaven. The term worm refers mainly to the pests found in clothing, while decay or moth signifies deterioration, rust, and all forms of corruption. So what happens? Will the worm also consume gold? If not through decay, then through theft. Are not all treasures vulnerable to being stolen? Perhaps not all, but many; it is uncertain which will remain safe from theft. However, those resources given to the poor are preserved in heaven. How so? In the manner that the honors and rewards assigned to them are protected: gathered and secured, they are safeguarded in that eternal realm. Then He introduces another thought, which further strengthens this argument.

Treasures of this world are corruptible and fleeting, while treasures of heaven are incorruptible and everlasting. Those who amass earthly wealth often derive no real benefit from it, but those whose treasures lie in heaven consistently enjoy the enduring rewards of their generosity. As the distance between earth and heaven is vast, so too is the disparity between earthly and heavenly treasures. Therefore, if one seeks to preserve treasure, one should conceal it in heaven. What constitutes earthly treasures? These include food, clothing, silver, gold, and precious stones. Yet food decays, garments fall victim to moths and rot, and silver, gold, and precious gems can be taken by thieves. This defines the nature of earthly riches. In contrast, what are the treasures of heaven? They are everlasting glory, boundless joy, and the eternal kingdom. This defines the essence of heavenly treasures! By accumulating your treasure in heaven, you shift your focus away from trivial pursuits and dedicate your desires and efforts to what is imperishable and eternal; rather than focusing on worldly matters, you turn your attention to heavenly ones, becoming a true citizen of heaven while residing on earth and preparing for your everlasting kingdom. However, the God-Man did not elaborate here on how one can store treasures in heaven, having already taught this lesson on numerous occasions. There is only one universally understood method: by providing the needy with food, clothing, and resources, for in serving those in need, we are indeed serving Him: "for inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me" (Matthew 25:40). This treasure remains safeguarded in His hands until the day of judgment. On that day, He will reward us with the eternal kingdom, saying, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

Athanasius the Great, "to the less fortunate what they need, and you will discover it all intact, pure, and unharmed in Heaven." “What do you fear?” asks St. Chrysostom. “Will your wealth run out if you give to the needy? No, share generously, and your resources will not diminish but will increase, for you will gain the riches of Heaven in return." “The worm and the aphid,” remarks an ancient commentator on the Holy Scriptures, “represent the futile thoughts that emerge from the heart, secretly consuming our spiritual treasures, while the thieves who weaken us are the empty praises of this world that rob us of the hidden virtues. Through human commendation, our adversary gains access to our hearts, tainted with the venom of sinful self-indulgence, stirring up the passions of vanity and then pride, the cause of his own fall from Heaven. A visionary recounted to Monk John the Venerable that while in the company of the brethren, the spirits of vanity and pride approached and sat beside him. The first nudged him, prodding him to share some of his visions or achievements from the desert. Yet, as he sought to resist, declaring, ‘Let all who seek the ruin of my soul be put to shame’ (Psalm 39:15), the one on his left whispered, ‘Well done, well done! You have achieved greatness by resisting my shameless mother.’ Turning to him, he responded in continuity with his previous declaration: ‘Let those who say to me, “Well done!” be confounded from their shame’ (Psalm 39:16). Reverend John inquired of this visionary, ‘Why is vanity the mother of pride?’ He replied, ‘Praise mocks the soul, and when the soul is exalted, pride surrounds it, lifting it to Heaven before casting it down into the abyss. Every earthly treasure is unstable and deceptive; yet even if such treasures were solid, the grave danger lies in the fact that people cling to them with all their hearts, forsaking God as a result. Why? ‘For in doing so, you become a slave to your earthly possessions,’ cautions St. Chrysostom.

He urged them to seek only those treasures with eternal value in heaven, which are essential for gaining entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When one becomes overly attached to wealth, luxury, and all things earthly, focusing solely on these aspects, they neglect to seek the imperishable treasures that unlock the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven. Their treasure, an idol of the heart, resides on earth, binding their heart to earthly concerns; they perceive nothing beyond the material, remaining oblivious and uncomprehending, with hearts hardened, eyes dimmed, and minds obscured. Illustrating this concept, Christ stated, “If thine eye be pure, thy whole body shall be light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be dark” (Matthew 6:22-23).