REFLECTION FOR TODAY
July 28, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matt. 13:44
Today’s gospel reference speaks about a treasure that was found. How do we feel when we hear this parable? Sometimes we may see ourselves as the treasure-seeker who upon finding Jesus, give up everything to follow Him. This is right but have we ever imagined ourselves to be the treasure whom Jesus found? Like the treasure covered by the earth, we were encased in sin and darkness, but Jesus gave up everything to possess us.
We may feel uncomfortable looking at ourselves as the priceless treasure that we are in the sight of Jesus, especially in the light of our sins and shortcomings. How can anyone, let alone the Son of God, love us with such intensity? But that is what it is, we are treasures, and we don’t really know our worth.
On the other hand, as Christians, we often encounter the treasure of the gospel without even looking for it. We do so anytime God intervenes in our lives without us seeking His intervention. The challenge is that many times when we are given these treasures of the gospel, we do not always see them as treasures.
Imagine, if the person in this parable were to stumble upon the treasure in the field and fail to open it out of indifference. They see it from a distance, have a bit of curiosity about what is in the box, but they are not energetic enough to open the box and look inside. In that case, the person would have no reason to go and sell all that they have to buy the field in which the treasure is found.
One clear message that this parable reveals is that we must be attentive to the countless treasures of God’s graces given to us each day. God is so prolific in offering us grace, that we truly do stumble upon His grace all the time. Thus, having eyes to perceive His actions and ears to Hear His Voice is essential.
Another message clearly given in parables is that once we discover the graces God gives us every day, we must foster within ourselves a desire for those graces that is so strong that we are willing to do anything necessary to obtain them. The discovery is made through the gift of faith, but the discovery by faith must then be followed with a zeal that drives our will to conform to that discovery.
Reflect, today, upon two things. First, have you discovered the treasures God has given to you? If you hesitate in answering this, then it is most likely the case that there is much you have yet to discover. Secondly, as you do discover the riches that come with the gift of faith, then have you allowed that which God has spoken to you to consume you to such a point that you are willing to sell all you have, meaning, do whatever it takes to further accept all God wants to bestow? Resolutely determine to go forth on this holy search and you will find that the riches of grace that you obtain are of infinite value.
Lord of all riches, You bestow upon me and upon all Your children countless graces every day. The treasures of Your mercy are of infinite value. Please open my eyes so that I can see and my ears so that I can hear to discover all that You wish to bestow. May You and the riches of Your Kingdom become the one and only, all-consuming focus of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.