“The law of your mouth is to me
more precious than thousands of
gold and silver pieces.”
Psalm 119:72
Readings
1 Kings 3: 5, 7-12
Romans 8:28-30
Matthew 13:44-52
Reflection
by Sister Joseph Fennimore, OSB
In the movie “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris” Mrs. Harris, a ‘char’ woman in London, sees an exquisite dress of her employer made by Christian Dior of Paris. She is so taken with it that she makes up her mind she is going to have one. She changes her life. She starts putting aside money from her small salary and saves money by walking to work, cutting down on social activities, and scrimping here and there. Eventually she saves $400.00 and enough money for the cost of the trip. She goes to Paris and after overcoming many difficulties and challenges, with the help of new friends, who she also helps, she gets the dress. She was totally committed to this goal and gave all she had to obtain it.
In the parable of this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus sets before us a goal, the goal of the kingdom of heaven. He likens the kingdom to a treasure found in a field or to a pearl of great price. His invitation to us is to seek and find this treasure. However obtaining it involves great cost, total commitment to His way of life. Are we willing to make the changes that will help us find the treasure, His life? These changes mean choosing patterns of life that assist us in finding the way to the treasure, of moving out of our earthly comfort zones, to become seekers, as well as helpers of others, to become active in the development of our spiritual lives.
The kingdom of heaven is much more that a treasure in a field, or a valuable pearl. It is complete happiness in God without restrictions or limitations. It is total fulfillment. This is what we seek, the goal, the treasure.
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us altogether to everlasting life.” Rule of Benedict, Chapter 72, vs. 11 & 12
Gospel Acclamation
“Blessed are you Father, Lord of heaven and earth; for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.”
Cf. Matthew 11:25
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