I don’t have a preaching assignment this weekend – but I wish I did! Jesus offers a brief parable in today’s gospel with a very familiar image:
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
What treasure do I fantasize?
what prize do I seek?
what goal do I work for?
what things do I collect or even hoard?
What’s the finest, most costly « pearl » I seek in my life?
What am I doing to find it? to secure it? to possess it?
What am I willing to give up for this treasure?
For what, for whom, would I give up all else?
Is the kingdom of heaven something I treasure?
In today’s first reading at mass, the Lord invites wise King Solomon to ask for anything he wishes. Solomon makes a wise choice. Given the same invitation, what would I ask for?
Lord, help me:
purify my desires,
prioritize my wants
and discern what I truly need…
Then give me sufficient wisdom and faith
to desire only what leads me to love,
to want only that which you want for me
and to see, clearly, the things that I need
and let go of the things I don’t…
Help me know the pearl of great price in my life
and give all I have to possess it;
help me treasure my faith and your love for me
and prefer nothing else to your peace…
