In the Gospel reading we hear Jesus saying to us that we need to make good choices in life: between God and material possessions. The contrast between "treasures in heaven" and "treasures on earth." (6:19-21); between God and the ungodly (6:24) and between the cares and anxieties about material possessions and seeking the Kingdom of God (6: 25-34).

Jesus' teachings focussed on true riches and we, as followers of Christ have to decide on our priority between earthly treasures and heavenly ones with God. In the materialistic and consumeristic society we live in now, we are called to be alert and discerning in making our daily choices.

In the first reading we see how different groups of people made their choices especially those made by Athaliah. She wanted to secure the throne of Judah for herself, chose to destroy the whole of the royal family. She attempted to destroy completely the house of David i.e. God's redemptive plan, in order to achieve her aim, but she didn't succeed! She went against God's will!

Today we are constantly reminded to live discernment as a way of life. So the basic questions we ask ourselves in this process would be: "What am I and God are for each other, that is, our relationship? "How and what does God want me to respond to a situation?"

Let us learn the art of discernment in order to help ourselves and others to find God's will.