My Sisters and Brothers:
In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenged his disciples to examine values placed upon the “things” they had in their lives. The people presented by Jesus in “the Parable of the Hidden Treasure,” and in “the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price,” sold all they had in order to gain what was far more valuable and important (see Matthew 13:44-52). They got rid of the unnecessary things of this world in order to gain “the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus’ teachings were often hyperbolic, and so I don’t believe he actually urged his disciples to give away all they had in order to gain “the Kingdom.” But they did suggest a spiritual need for “detachment” from things, situations, and preoccupations that might have otherwise robbed them of healthy non-material perspectives. That’s to say: Jesus thought it wise for his followers “to live in this world, but not of this world.” I believe this message remains as important for us today as it was for those who first heard his preaching.
We should ask: What are those “things” in our lives that might rob us of healthy non-material perspectives? Does our quest for financial success rule our lives? Does our desire for material comforts and expensive possessions control our thoughts? Does satisfaction of our own needs habitually take the place of service and generosity toward others, and might this jeopardize the well-being of those who are less fortunate and much needier? Does a thirst for power and prestige, and lust for privilege, drive us as we make decisions, and as we associate and function with other people? Does our preoccupation with the difficulties and troubles of our personal, familial, communal, and societal lives, take away our inner peace and our ability to remain positive and hopeful? Does fear in any way rule our lives? It seems to me today’s parables ought to motivate us to ask these and similar questions. And if our answers to these questions are not in keeping with the Gospel, then surely it’s time to make some changes in our lives!
Jesus reminds us of the supreme value of “the Kingdom of God.” And so, in the parable he said the man who sold all that he had in order to buy the field containing a hidden treasure understood it was worth more than all of his other earthly possessions; the merchant who sold all that he had in order to buy “the pearl of great price,” realized the same. By comparison, Jesus teaches us there is nothing in this life (not possessions, worries, or any other distractions) worth more than “the Kingdom of God.” He teaches us that if we place more importance (or more preoccupation) on the worldly things, then our spiritual visions certainly will be blurred, and our eternal perspectives will definitely be incomplete.
And so, our God asks us to be ready and willing “to give up everything” in order to serve him alone; no “thing” need be more important! As we search for “the Kingdom of God” in our own lives, let’s always be willing to place spiritual realities and Godly matters before the things, situations, and preoccupations of “this world.” Therefore, let’s “live in this world, but not of this world.” I’m sure if we do so, then we’ll always know our heavenly treasures will be more valuable than any earthly “possession” we might ever have. And so my friends, as we strive to be “detached” from this world, let’s give ourselves entirely to our God and to our share of “the Kingdom.” Let’s be sure we measure the value our lives, and “the thing we possess” along the way, with eternal standards. We are disciples of the Lord Jesus, and children of a Father who is never-ending-love, and who promises us a place in “the Kingdom.” Our God will care for us, and will provide us with every “thing” we will ever truly need! Let us encourage each other with these teachings!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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