I came across this story of a person who was approached by treasure hunters. They had maps and they had samples of gold. They said that it was just a matter of days before they were able to get the gold but they needed funds. He was promised an amount that so big that it was hard to refuse.

He immediately gives the money and waits. One week later, an update was given that it was just a matter of time. Then another week, a call came, that there was water in the digging and they needed to buy a pump. The person again puts out money. There was assurance that the gold was near, but then came another call that one of the equipment broke down and money was needed again. To date, it has been three years and there is still no gold. Even worse, the person is now deep into debt. 

My dear friends, all of us are in search of treasure because we all want a happy life. The Gospel today reminds us that the true treasure in life that will bring happiness is not money or gold. It is finding God. 

Three reasons why God is the source of true happiness:

1. Money has limitations. When one is sick, a person may afford that best hospital and the best doctors, but when it is your time, it is your time. With money, one can just prolong the inevitable. Compare that to God, with whom nothing is impossible.
   
2. Money’s value fluctuates. Sometimes the value is up and sometimes it is down. It just takes uncertainty for the money’s worth to go down, versus God who is always constant. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
   
3. Money is not forever. No matter how much money you have, one day it will not be there anymore. When we die, whether rich or poor, we just leave it all behind. God, on the other hand, promised that he will be with us until the end of time. 

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori. One of his greatest contributions is his many books on moral theology. He talks about the The Glories of Mary, Holy Eucharist, the Way of the Cross, and Preparing for Death. In other words, he talks about God as the only true treasure in life. Why? With God nothing is impossible. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He will be with us until the end of time.