Sunday’s reading continued our walk through the Gospel of Matthew. It consisted of the three short parables of the Kingdom of God: the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, and the fisherman’s net. Previously, my main focus in these stories was the value of the Kingdom. I always pictured the treasure in the field as a pirate treasure chest, filled with gold and jewels. Who wouldn’t want something as valuable as a treasure chest? Similarly, the pearl of great price is something glamorous… a pearl of immense value and beauty. What great images of the Kingdom, especially for the materialistic culture we live.
This time, however, the cost of the Kingdom was highlighted. The Kingdom is no less beautiful or valuable. In fact, it was because of its great value that the two characters (the farmer & the merchant) sacrificed so much. They both went and sold all that they had! ALL. The merchant didn’t sell most of what he had, bought the pearl of great price, then jumped into his fancy carriage and returned to his mansion. The farmer didn’t sell some of his things, bought the field that contained the treasure, and then met with his stockbroker to monitor his 401(k).
In the parables, Jesus reminds us that there is sacrifice to following Him. Embracing the Kingdom necessarily involves turning our back on the world, to the point of giving things up and suffering. It’s counter intuitive, to be sure—suffering and self-denial point us to happiness? Those silly Catholics…
Even with the promise of suffering, there’s still a nagging question underneath Jesus’ invitation to follow Him: what if it’s true? Just imagine… what if everything He promised will happen? He worked all those miracles…
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2:9, quoting Isaiah 64:4)
Wonderful reflection, John. We all have eyes to see but do we really "see" what is important? I think this parable and your reflection is a good reminder for all of us to "see" the "treasures" of God in our midst. We are bombarded every day with the material things of this world. Let us all endeavor to be willing to sacrifice for Him. I bet we will find more happiness.
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