Readings: Jeremiah 15:10,16-21, Ps. 59:2-5,10-11,17-18, Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field...” (Matthew 13:44)
The parable of the field and the pearls teach us that God’s Kingdom is a treasure. However, this treasure is hidden in the sense that it is out in the open, but many gloss over it, not knowing what it is worth. In the parable of the field, a man accidentally found the treasure. He wasn’t the first to find it, but having appreciated its value, he goes off joyfully to sell everything he has to buy the field. Similarly, the merchant who discovered a pearl of great value sold everything he had to buy it.
- These parables remind me of the rich young man who came to Jesus, desiring to know how to inherit eternal life. Initially, Jesus told him to keep God’s commandments, but he insisted that he had kept them since childhood. Looking through him, Jesus saw that this young man was too attached to his riches (the young man worshipped his wealth). “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’” (Mark 10:21).
- Is God’s Kingdom that expensive? Jesus is not trying to monetise God’s kingdom (after all, no money is enough to buy heaven). Rather, in these parables, Jesus is restating the first commandment: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, cf. Mark 12:29-30, Matthew 22:37 & Luke 10:27). To love God with all of one’s heart, mind, soul and strength is to sell off anything capable of occupying your heart, mind or soul. In other words, do not let your possessions or earthly pursuits take the place of God in your life.
- When the men discover the treasures in these parables, they act hastily, doing everything they can to secure them. Like James and John, who had discovered the treasure of God’s kingdom, they are ready to drink any chalice for it. (Mark 10:29, Matthew 20:22). Procrastination is your enemy. It might never be yours if you don’t quickly secure the treasure.
- The lackadaisical attitude of many Christians today shows that we have yet to discover or appreciate the true value of God’s kingdom. We are like that beggar who sat on a wooden box for forty-six years begging for alms, not knowing he was sitting on a box full of gold. If only he knew. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10). The men who sold all their possessions to buy these treasures knew that they would get back more than a hundred-fold of what they had given.
- When you discover who God is, you will no longer need anybody to tell you to take your faith seriously. You will hate sin with passion. You will repent from following false gods and be prepared like Jeremiah (in today’s First Reading) to face any challenge or persecution for God’s sake. This is because you will not doubt God’s assurance. “I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” (Jeremiah 15:20-21).
- Coincidentally, we celebrate a saint who discovered God at the age of 30 by reading the life of Christ and a collection of the lives of the saints while recovering from injuries sustained during battle (the battle of Pamplona. St. Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier who found a treasure hidden in a field and sold everything he had to secure this field. His conversion was radical, and his love for God was inspirational to the extent of attracting companions. He is the founder of the Society of Jesus. (Jesuits)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our eyes to see the true value of your kingdom. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Ignatius Loyola, Priest. Bible Study: Jeremiah 15:10,16-21, Ps. 59:2-5,10-11,17-18, Matthew 13:44-46).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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