New Treasures and Old

 

Matthew 13: 44-52

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

⁴⁷ “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. ⁴⁸ When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. ⁴⁹ This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ⁵⁰ and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

⁵² He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

In his simple story-telling way, Jesus describes the power attached to discovering the kingdom of heaven, that is, the world and its people living in harmony with God and each other. We daily face and live in a world that is not in harmony with God and one another, as the nightly news reminds us. No wonder, when we discover the world as God intended it to be, we are willing to sell all to acquire a place in it. Our task is not only to find this ideal world but to make this world ideal.  Ah, "there's the rub" and the challenge.  What can I do TODAY to make that ideal world a reality? Will I make this Sunday truly THE LORD'S DAY by attending Mass or Worship at my Church?  Will I take extra time to pray with and reflect on this Gospel passage?  Will I be extra kind and patient with my family and neighbors? It's in the small things that we can make the most impact.  

Bro. Rene

Dear God, the "treasure" is all around me. Help me to see it and make every effort to acquire it and then share it. Amen.