A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:44-46)
Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”
Jesus shares with the disciples parables that have come to be known as the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value. These parables convey the profound significance of finding the great treasure of the kingdom of heaven, or God’s reign in our lives. In each parable, the one who finds the treasure shows a sense of joy and urgency. Joy because the one who finds recognizes its authentic value, and urgency because finding it requires a response. In the first reading, Solomon asks God, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” For asking for that, God blesses him beyond what he can imagine. Every time we ask God that his kingdom come and his will be done, from the mystery of his grace we find the hidden treasure of understanding and wisdom.
God, help me learn to seek what is authentic in asking that your will be done. The kingdom of heaven at times can seem remote and unseen, the pearl of greatest value overlooked. Direct my gaze with the gift of understanding toward what you have hidden in plain sight. The kingdom is here, the kingdom is to come. Give me the grace to understand the urgency in listening out for your voice, and having found it, respond to your will. As Saint Paul says, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Grant me the wisdom, Lord, to understand your call.
From the responsorial psalm, “Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.” Thank you, Lord, for the immeasurable gift of your kingdom.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.