Brothers and Sisters,

What a marvelous and amazing find a lost or hidden treasure is. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. Who wouldn’t sell everything they have in order to obtain that field? Jesus’ use of these images would have set the imagination of the mainly poor community he is preaching too, alight. The same with the merchant who finds a fine pearl. In the ancient world, pearls were more valuable than gold. To find one perfect pearl, what merchant wouldn’t sell everything in order to possess it?

In these two very brief parables, Jesus carries on his message of the Kingdom not being fully revealed to all. Only the few who are truly listening will find that great treasure (the Kingdom) and when they do – here he steps up his message with a new idea – they will sell everything in order to possess it. Those deaf or indifferent to his message of the Kingdom will miss the opportunity and fail to respond. Here he adds a new emphasis – the urgency of a response. Both of these parables provide the hearer with a once in a lifetime chance, and as with a treasure or a pearl that one might come across to possess, it is prize of immeasurable wealth – eternal life in God’s kingdom. But in order to possess it, one has to take the risk and believe before it’s too late.

On one of the cable channels there is a show about people who treasure hunt using metal detectors. These intrepid searchers go back in history and study ancient battles or look for clues in history books and then set out walking often miles with their detectors across the countryside hoping for that lucky break where they come across a stolen horde or hidden cache of booty. In most cases they come up with tin cans or metal tire irons, but in those rare moments, these searchers find that amazing stash that will (after taxes) set them up for life. The chances are slim to none that they will find something, but for those who like the odds, they are willing to do whatever it takes to possibly hit it big.

Personally, I don’t like those odds. And other than the possibility to go for a good walk and get the benefit of exercise, I’m not one to waste my time searching for lost treasure. I like a surer thing. Jesus is a sure thing and what he is offering for those who are willing to accept it, is something that can’t be taxed, or stolen, or needs to be polished or protected; eternal life. I rather like those odds. However, life is short, and the offer is only there for a limited time. I can’t waste my time fiddling about with indifference. It’s a choice I have to make now, but if I do. The payout is guaranteed and the prize beyond anything I could ever conceive of.

You can’t waffle in buying a field with a treasure. The choice must be decisive and the commitment of resources, total. If it’s worth the risk then we have to be all in. Today I invite you look to see where you hold back from giving everything you have to gain the eternal prize and change what needs to be changed to ensure my chance for the Kingdom.

Peace,

Fr. Steve