Dear Friends,
Buried treasure, a priceless pearl, a net thrown into the sea. Imaginative, attention-grabbing images from Jesus’ teaching in this weekend’s Gospel, Matthew, chapter 13. They are thought provoking as He uses these images to teach about the Kingdom of God.
We ought to ask ourselves, what do we treasure, what is our priceless pearl, what are we seeking after or gathering up for ourselves? A few chapters before this one, when Jesus had finished teaching the Apostles the Our Father, He also instructed them not to store up treasures on earth but rather treasures in heaven, concluding with, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”
Jesus is the Kingdom of God in Person. And He came to open the gates so that we could enter into Divine Life. Nothing is as precious or as important or essential as our relationship with Jesus, with the Father and the Holy Spirit ~ the One God, Trinity of Persons, Who loves us beyond all human understanding. The God Who is Being Itself and Who holds all that exists in being. How awesome is this? How mind blowing when we ponder it.
But life, our weaknesses, our attachments, our daily responsibilities, even our anxieties can get in the way. Can distract us. Can lead us in the wrong direction. So let us learn a lesson from King Solomon in our first reading. God is willing to give him anything he asks for and Solomon acknowledging that he is a weak man, lacking in understanding, humbly prays, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.”
We hear that this pleases God and God does as Solomon requests, giving him, “a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.” You see when we acknowledge Who God is, and who we are with our needs, our humble requests call down God’s abundant love and grace for our every need in accord with His Divine plan. And His plan is perfect.
Saint Paul reminds us this weekend, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” God loves us, God calls us, God seeks us out. God holds nothing back and gives us treasure, a priceless pearl. He gives us His very self. When you receive Communion, you are receiving Jesus Christ, fully and completely. Let us live in the full glory of being not only made in God’s image and likeness but also temples of the Holy Spirit through Baptism and Confirmation. God indeed is with us and remains with us as we open ourselves to Him.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
