Grace and Truth

This first Sunday of the Great Fast, we read Matthew 6:19-30 during the Divine Liturgy. This passage, along with many other parts of the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7), offers instructions on how to manage our earthly (and heavenly) wealth. While it seems that our Savior is increasing the amount of laws that we must follow, we need to understand all of it in the context of a beautiful verse from the Gospel according to John 1:17 - For the Law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus Christ are Grace and Truth for us and for our lives. Grace, because it is a gift from God, who guides us into the path of peace. Truth, because it is ultimate reality upon which to build our lives.