Paul is very boastful, particularly in today's first reading. But, when we read all his letters carefully and pay attention to the nature of his boasting, we see that it is not merely human boasting, but a very challenging way of praising God and of calling attention to the things in his life that are really heavenly treasures. Being a Hebrew, an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham - all of this could be so much earthly treasures doomed to be destroyed by moth and rust. But when all these "human distinctions ", as Paul calls them, are crowned by the supreme gift of being a minister of Christ, of being able to suffer for and with the crucified Jesus, then there is no need to fear moth, rust or thief, for all our human qualities and qualifications will be transformed.

It requires the eyes of faith to see God's work of salvation being carried forward in afflictions such as those which Paul had to undergo. It requires the light of faith to be able to praise God in such situations. As Christians, we are called to this faith, and so to the consolation of laying up treasure in heaven.

Gratitude for what we have received from God is part of the faith experience that allows us to discern what is truly heavenly treasure and what is merely human and passing.