(Jesus said), "the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." ... Matthew 13:45-46
There are times when scripture challenges us beyond what we would like, beyond what we consider fair. This saying of Jesus, among others, is one of those times.
are other examples. What is the message of these and similar parables? Although they all have their nuances, perhaps highlighting slightly different facets of discipleship, or our relationship to Jesus, they all can be generally summed up in JesusÕ call to Philip: "Follow me". (John 1:43) There it is, as simple as that. No pre-conditions. No qualifications. No exceptions. No excuses.
What jeweler would sell his entire inventory (leaving aside for a moment his personal possessions) to invest in only one pearl? What if he is mistaken in his appraisal, what if market forces go against him, what if he cannot find a buyer? Well, this is exactly what we are called to do.
What does it mean to sell all we have? It means that Jesus, and by corollary, God comes first. First not by just a little, but first by a long shot. Our attachment to Jesus comes before our work, our hobbies, our families, and everything else. And by association, we must be willing to give up anything which gets in the way of this attachment. This is so difficult to do in our times, when responsibilities and anxieties can be just overwhelming. We have been taught to do the exact opposite. Anyone who invests has heard the mantra over the past few years: Diversify, Diversify, Diversify! We are called to take the ultimate risk, to put all our eggs in one basket. Is this risk warranted?
Yes it is. Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." (John 14:18-20). So begin your search for the pearl of great value. When you find it, sell all you have, and acquire it.
Lord, help us to recognize, amidst the dizzying array of choices we are faced with in our lives, what is of great value, and what is not. Give us the courage to choose you, wherein is found our salvation. Amen
Contributed by David M.
Published Sunday February 1, 2004
Week 10 of Liturgical Year C