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.”
The words of Jesus from today’s Gospel, also heard in last Sunday’s Mass, stress the necessity of possessing the kingdom of heaven. The one who finds the treasure, Jesus says, goes and sells everything he has to buy that field so that he can own the treasure. The one who finds a pearl of great price sells all that he has to buy it. In both instances, Jesus relates the joy of finding it and the urgent response in buying it, or investing one’s whole self in it.
God, help me understand how to see the value not only in the words of your Son but in acting on them. Among my family, in the people I encounter, and in your word, you offer the kingdom of heaven to me every day. The value of the kingdom of heaven surpasses all other possessions and pursuits. Yet, unlike the goods of this world, it loses no value as you offer it to me time after time. It is worth giving up everything for its sake; let me hear and respond to the treasure you offer.
Lord, help me today to recognize the pearl of great price when I see it. I often walk away from the very thing I’m searching for. As Saint Padre Pio says, “Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.”
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.