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Dear Friends,
Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure buried in a field and like a pearl of such extraordinary value that a merchant sells everything to buy it. In both stories, the reaction is the same. They discover something so valuable and so beautiful that everything else suddenly seems less important. They do not reluctantly give up what they have. They do it with joy because they know they are gaining something far greater.
Jesus is telling us a simple but challenging truth: nothing is more valuable than God, and nothing compares to a life devoted to serving God. And the best place to grow in choosing the Kingdom is at Mass.
Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, once talked about how the Mass is the pearl of great price: “Next to this sacrament,” he said, “we are like someone who dies of thirst next to a river, just needing to bend the head down to drink; or like a poor man next to a treasure chest, when all that is needed is to stretch out the hand” and grab the gold coins.
Jesus in the Eucharist is that treasure who quenches our thirst, who makes us truly rich. That treasure is ours to receive. That is what Jesus offers: the deal of an eternal lifetime. As we prepare for Mass this Sunday, let’s pray for the wisdom and the courage necessary to sacrifice whatever we need to do to make that deal.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Shawn
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