Sunday July 30, 2017
Are we sure that there is a treasure?
Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who found a treasure in the field and goes out and sells everything to buy that field. He makes a similar comparison with the merchant in search for fine pearls. Both, the man finding the treasure and the merchant finding the pearl, were looking for something. The question we can ask ourselves is: Are we looking for something? Do we really believe that there is a hidden treasure or a fine pearl? Or, in other words, are we ready to sell everything to get that treasure or that fine pearl?
We often hear negative comments about our society. There was a time when we thought that ‘a better world’ was possible but today it seems that, for many, the perspective is much shorter. They only think about how to survive the day-to-day life. Nothing more. As if we have discovered that there is nothing worth an exchange for selling everything. And, in fact, we are not willing to sacrifice anything of what little we have. We are not sure that there might be a hidden treasure, or a valuable pearl. We are not sure if it is worth to struggle for the Kingdom of Heaven. What kind of a kingdom is it? After years of efforts and struggles, what have we gotten? We are discouraged. There is nothing worth the struggle. Let us leave dreams behind!
But Jesus continues proposing an absolute ideal. It is worth leaving everything for the Kingdom of Heaven. What does is entail to leave all? All is economic security, the good name, and family expectations. Giving up everything means to live according to Jesus’ lifestyle, trying to act as Jesus would have acted; being carriers of the love of God for the poor and the needy. Leaving everything means not to be guided by the selfish criteria of this world, to stop hoarding and start sharing, relating with others gratuitously and not for gain. For giving up everything there is no need to abandon the family or enter a convent. One can still continue in the same work and live in the same house. The difference is that one is now guided by the Gospel criteria for living. Thus, we begin to be a citizen of the Kingdom. We get a new identity: that of being a son or daughter of God the Father and brother of Jesus as we relate with all men and women.
To reach this point it is necessary to firmly believe that there is a treasure and to find that treasure is the very best that could happen in our life; to get that treasure, it is worth leaving everything behind. May God give us discernment and wisdom, like Solomon, to know what is just and good.
For reflection
• What is the greatest value in my life?
• What are my treasures made of?
• Is the Gospel my true treasure?
• What is the greatest hindrance to follow Jesus without reservation?