Today’s gospel continues Matthew’s sharing of Jesus’ parables, and we hear about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells about several people who find things of great value and the lengths to which they go to possess them - the treasure in a field, the pearl of great price, the great catch of fish. Though the images may vary, the message is clear: where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
That is true as much today as it was in Jesus’ time. We put our money, energy, and time into those things we cherish most. We sacrifice to get the things that we believe will make our lives better or easier. Matthew asks us to pause and consider if the kingdom of heaven is just such a treasure for us. Britannica defines the kingdom of heaven as the spiritual realm over which God reigns as king, or the fulfillment on Earth of God’s will. Both are treasures of great value. So, the real question for me is, “what am I willing to lose - to give up - in order to possess the kingdom of heaven?” If that truly is my treasure, then my heart will not count the cost.
Sister Danielle Jacob, CSFN
