Treasure Trove

Today’s Gospel Text:  "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matt 13:44-46

Reflection: Let’s understand the first of the two parables, which compares the Kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field.

From what is said in comparison, we see the kingdom of heaven as not something that we have or posses. It is not something that we can arrive at or build on our own wisdom.

It is something that has to be discovered or found; how can we discover and find what is covered?

What the parable does talk about is that this Kingdom is to be found, not in ourselves, as deceivers would have us believe, by even wrongly quoting a text of the Bible; “For lo, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21 Douay-Rheims

But it is a kingdom which is first found external to ourselves and then made ones own.  Once discovered, we realize that it is something that we are capable of perceiving as being of a far greater value than all our strivings and efforts.

It is something, that once we see it or behold, it will fill us with a joy to give up everything in order to possess it. In other words it gives us joy and yet is greater than our joy, lest we remain satisfied with our joy and lose out on that treasure of the kingdom.

It is something that will lead us to a concrete action, or a praxis of first wanting to have it, by giving up all that we have seen as important in our lives; whether wealth or fame or power or possessions or vast field of expertise or knowledge or idea or ideologies or spiritualities or experiences or our pet projects or innovations.

May be for the many of us reading this, it is a challenge to check whether we fit in with this aspect of the truth, that the parable reveals.

It’s high time we ask God’s help, to enable us to discover this great treasure of the kingdom of God. Pray, to be totally enamored by it and allowing it to take total control of our lives, so as to compel us into giving up everything for this greatest of treasure: Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I may have you as my sole treasure, my portion and cup, and when I find you, I may do as you will.  

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Sacred Heart

Scripture/Bible:  Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; 33 but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness - his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth - that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken." 37 And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced." John 19:31-37

Reflection:  A hidden treasure that is found by someone can become the exclusive property of that person. 

What about the treasures of the earth which are so freely available to anyone, such as the sunshine, the water, the wind which are freely available?  They are not usually the exclusive property of anyone.

Very rarely would a person who has discovered a hidden property will make it available freely for public use and the benefits thereof for the public at large.  What could be best solution, is for the owner in his life time to do so by bequeathing to a foundation or an entity that will make it freely available for the benefit of the public.

Christ Jesus incarnated carrying the greatest treasure ever which human have always looked for. to seek for this treasure is an innate desire in the heart of any man; life, freedom and eternal happiness.   

Who doesn’t seek it? 

Of course some seek it here in their ignorance either by striving every bit to prolong their lives or through the various addictions of life, which in freedom only pushes us on to more bondages and wretchedness.

Blood and water that flowed from his Sacred Heart was that treasure bequeathed to humanity, visibly shown and documented by the Apostle John so that believing you may life that leads to freedom and happiness. (cfr. 20:31; 10:10)

Prayer:  Lord, may I be blessed with all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.(cfr.Col 2:2-3)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us