THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND
The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field and like a pearl of great price. The ones who discover them go off happy, sell everything they own and buy them (see Matthew 13:44-46). Many will hear these two short parables of the Lord, with their simple meaning, at worship tomorrow.
There are many adventure stories that concern the quest for “buried treasure” and the lengths to which people will go to, to attain riches. The Lord’s parables of hidden treasure and the precious pearl, however, are intended to inspire us on a quest for “genuine riches” (see Luke 16:11).
Many people would gladly give a year’s wages for a winning lottery ticket which would ensure they never have to work again. Human beings have a tendency to equate happiness and security with money and wealth.
Nevertheless, the God who created us in the image and likeness of Himself, calls us to seek what truly fulfils the deepest yearnings of our hearts and spirits. God asks us: “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2).
The human heart itself says, “seek His face” (Psalm 27:8) and our very souls know, that only in God, shall we find rest (see Psalm 62:1-2). The treasure hidden within and the priceless pearl, are the discovery of our true selves in God, which alone brings lasting happiness.
The Lord draws us to unearth this treasure, to uncover the hidden pearl, by allowing His light to illumine the depths of our souls (see Psalm 18:28). Essentially, the light of God reveals to us that we are “called according to His purpose” and intended to become “true images” of Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:28-30).
St Paul counted all things as loss and “so much rubbish” compared to the “surpassing excellence” of “knowing Christ Jesus” (see Philippians 3:810). To know Jesus, to love and serve Him, doing the Father’s Will as beloved daughters and sons, is to “shine in the world like bright stars” (Philippians 2:15).
The Light of God’s Holy Spirit inflames us when we surrender to God’s grace, when we allow His love to find us. Then in God’s Light we see light (Psalm 36:9) and we become light for our brothers and sisters, so that they, seeing our good works done in God’s love, will give the praise to our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).