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Peace! In the Gpspels for the past two weeks, Jesus has been explaining
the Kingdom of God in parables of faith. In today's Gospel(Mt.
13:44-52), the parable of the treasure and the pearl runs, thus:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The
one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and
sells everything he has in order to buy that fiels.
"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a trader who is looking for
the pearl. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes
away, sells everything he has and buys it."
- The parables of the
treasure and the pearl invite us not to let opportunities pass by
when the kingdom of God comes to us.
- Some have been
waiting for years for that word, or person or sign that would give
new meaning to their lives. Indeed, it is JESUS whom we are
searching for.
- How are we to
discover Jesus? We do not have to look far. He is present in our
everyday lives, in our work, in every aspect of our existence. He
may be found through simple things; a forgiving word, a friendly
smile, a first commitment offered and accepted.
- When we have
discovered Jesus, we must "sell everything". It means
dying to oneself, to selfishness, to craving for security, or to
comfortable living. We have to divest ourselves of all those habits,
pleasures....that occupy our hearts without filling them. When
trials cme upon us like cold and icy night, we must not forget the
treasure that we have seen until we recover it.
- The pearl is, in a
sense, CHRIST himself, ang tanging yaman! He alone gives meaning to
all sacrifices but the search for a love that has already been
proven.
- In truth. God
himself gave, and continues to givr, us everything, He gives it back
to us transfigured, for when we discover Jesus, we gain a new sense
of values. We are willing to give up wordly things, especially those
harmful to us, to which we no longer feel attached.
- The saints and
converts best exemplify people who went through life searching for
that seemingly elusive something or someone to give meaning to their
lives and to give them lasting peace. St. Augustine aptly declared,
"Restless is my heart until it rests in Thee, O God!" For
to discover JESUS is to discover the only treasure, HESUS, Tanging
Yaman! God Bless US All!
Rev.
Fr. Rufino P. Yabut
Parish
Priest
SHJ-MBS
Parish Church
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