Today we hear the final three parables about the Kingdom of Heaven found in Matthew 13, the Treasure buried in a Field, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Net Full of Fish. Although they seem simple stories, each of these parables challenges us to consider what the Kingdom of Heaven means to us. They ask us to consider how much we are willing to sacrifice to gain entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. And they invite us to reflect on the priorities in our lives so we can get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
In Matthew 6:20-21, Jesus says, “store up treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” A little later in verse 33, Jesus says, “seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,” then everything else will fall into place. Both the person who found the buried treasure and the merchant who found the pearl sacrificed everything that they had to obtain what they fervently desired. Jesus is telling us that the Kingdom of Heaven is the greatest treasure we can possibly obtain.
Contrary to what the folks at credit card companies would have us believe, we cannot purchase our way into the Kingdom of Heaven because it is far beyond priceless. St. Paul tells us what we have to do to get into the “good bucket” Jesus refers to in the Parable of the Dragnet in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. “Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.”
God our father and protector,
without you nothing is holy,
nothing has value.
Guide us to everlasting life
by helping us to use wisely
the blessings you have given to the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen
