This Sunday we read the final three parables about the Kingdom of Heaven found in Matthew 13. In these parables Jesus describes the Kingdom as a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price and a net full of fish. The parables are not really about treasures, jewels and fish. They are about what we are willing to sacrifice to enter the Kingdom.
There is a subtle difference between the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. In the parable of the hidden treasure, the man who found the treasure was not looking for it. He found it by luck and, probably, some good plowing. On the other hand, the man who found the pearl of great price was seeking pearls. The outcome of both parables is that each man found his treasure and each was willing to sacrifice everything (joyfully) to possess that treasure. They understood what the rich young man Jesus encountered in Matthew 19: 21 - 22 could not comprehend: "’If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to (the) poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
This brings us to the parable of the fishing net. Like the parable of the wheat and weeds, Jesus reminds us once again that sorting out good from evil is not our responsibility. It is our responsibility to gather as many fish as possible into our net. It is up to God and only God to determine who is in the Kingdom and who is not.
The good news is that God wants all of us to be in the Kingdom. As Jesus told his followers in Luke 12: 31 – 34, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”
God of eternal wisdom,
you alone impart the gift of discernment.
Grant us an understanding heart,
so we may value wisely the treasure of your kingdom,
gladly reject all lesser gifts,
and accept with gratitude the ones you alone can give.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
AMEN.
