Scripture:
Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Matthew 13:44-16
Reflection:
Happy Wednesday in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time!
“What would you do for a Klondike Bar?”
Do you remember the ad campaign for a chocolate-dipped square of vanilla ice-cream? It had people doing the craziest things. I recall watching people cluck like chickens, and sing out-loud “I’m A Little Teapot” in a courtroom. My favorite, though, was when they approached William Shakespeare himself and asked if he’d write a Sit-Com in exchange for the bar.
If you know me at all, you’d know that embarrassing myself is something I have learned to fully embrace, and have become quite good at. But, truth be told, I never actually liked the bars all that much. Sure, they were just fine, and came in different flavors and all, but there was never anything about them which would tempt me to embarrass myself in order to get one. I just knew there was something better out there… I just needed to look for it.
It’s like that with most things, I think. No matter if it’s a car or a house, a portfolio or bank account, honor or praise or awards — for me, everything always fails to satisfy. No matter what I would possess, I find myself still feeling empty somehow. If I was a betting man, I’d wager that it’s the same for many of us.
The Gospel today (Matthew 13:44-46) begins with Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to “a treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Just imagine finding that pearl… discovering that treasure. What would you give in order that you might have it? If we ponder the example we have in Jesus, Godself, we see that, obviously, he thought of you and I as the most valuable thing of all time! Just think about it… he gave his love, his life, his all.
So, what is your “pearl of great value?”
What would do to get it?
The easy answer might have us eschew worldly things for the hope of Heaven and eternity with God. But we can offer a glimpse of that amazing promise now, on earth.
“Love one another.”
In loving others just as Jesus loved us, we give our lives and share the Kingdom of Heaven in our world right here, right now. It could be as easy as sharing a kind word or smile. Perhaps sharing in prayer with someone in need or someone in gratitude. It could be taking food to someone who needs a meal. Or giving that extra jacket to someone who’s cold. What may seem like a simple visit to someone alone could result in the heavenly experience that you both were seeking.
In sharing ourselves in this loving way, we share God…
And in sharing God with others, we find God with us, in all things.
And that, my friends, is a share in the true Pearl of Greatest Value.
Peace and love to you, today and forever.
Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the preaching team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.