Matthew 13:44-52 NRSVue

⁴⁴“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

⁴⁵“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; ⁴⁶on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

⁴⁷“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; ⁴⁸when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. ⁴⁹So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous ⁵⁰and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” ⁵²And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

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Reflection on Matthew 13:44-52

Inspiration from 2023-07-30 Daily Prayer

Have I found the pearl of great value, for which I am ready to sell all I have to obtain it? Am I still looking for it, or am I resigned to a life of mediocrity in my relationships with others, with God in my prayer, in my work life? Jesus compares this pearl to the Kingdom he came to proclaim and inaugurate, and this gives me joy and hope.

The scribe who has been trained for the Kingdom knows how to bring out of his treasure what is new and what is old. In our world, even in the Church, we are becoming more and more polarised between the liberals and the conservatives, as both claim to be the only ones to have all the truth. I ask for wisdom and freedom to seek the Kingdom in both the new and the old. God’s Kingdom is “both, and”, not “either, or”.

Further reflection

Think about this hidden treasure: it inspires, enlivens and opens horizons of new plans and dreams. Not everyone should be told about it immediately but the excitement that it brings cannot always be hidden. I thank God for what gives meaning to my life.

Perhaps God looks at me and sees a hidden treasure, wondering when I might discover it.