Last weekend, I travelled back to Melbourne to celebrate the funeral of Jeannate who was one of my supporters during my time there as a deacon. She was always encouraging me, checking in on me, and helping me whenever she could. Her death came very suddenly, and it was hard to say goodbye.

I arrived a few days earlier, so I took the opportunity to visit some friends and parishioners. I had only been away for about four months, but I was surprised by how much had changed.

One family had started a new business and was excited about building a better future for their children. Then I visited another family where someone had suffered a stroke. Another person had gone through major surgery and had been unconscious for several days.

I also visited many elderly parishioners. Some had become much weaker. Some could no longer walk easily. Others were living alone after losing their husband or wife. Yet they rarely complained. They simply carried their crosses with quiet faith.

As I drove from one house to another, one question kept coming into my mind: What is our treasure?

Life can change so quickly. Today we are healthy, tomorrow we may be sick. Today we are making plans, tomorrow everything may change.

Standing at a funeral and visiting people reminded me that many of the things we spend our lives chasing are not the things that last.

Then I read today’s Gospel. Jesus says, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field... like a pearl of great price.”

Jesus invites us to ask ourselves a simple but important question: What is the treasure of my life? Is it money? Success? Comfort? Or is it something that will last forever?

As we celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly this weekend, I think they have much to teach us. After visiting many elderly people, I have noticed that they rarely talk about making more money or becoming more successful. Instead, they speak about their children and grandchildren. They speak about their faith. They thank God for the blessings they have received. They pray for their families and hope that future generations will remain close to God.

Perhaps, after many years of life, they have discovered what Jesus is teaching us today: the greatest treasure is not what we own, but the relationship we have with God and the love we share with others.

So today, I invite each of us to spend a few quiet moments asking ourselves one simple question: What is my treasure?

Because whatever we treasure will shape the way we live. And only one treasure will remain forever—Jesus Christ.