☧ Marks the Spot

 

Josephinum Fields

    "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." ~Matthew 13:44

    I heard somewhere that children and adults have very different reactions to hearing this small parable and the similar adjacent parable about a "merchant in search of a fine pearl." Whenever an adult hears this parable, they will focus on the man selling all he has- all must be given up to obtain the kingdom of heaven. However, when a child reflects on this story, they will focus on the treasure and the pearl, remarking, "that must be a very special treasure, and a very beautiful pearl."

    Truly, this is the innocence of a child. Why worry about what you give up, when the treasure ahead of you is so much greater? It is only the weariness of age which makes us lose sight of the treasure. As we learn to spend our faculties in worship of living for the world, we forget the "the altar of God, the God who gave joy unto my youth." We forget our love for the treasure of the Lord, yet we wonder why we find ourselves always tired, always in despair, always hopeless.

    We convince ourselves that having a stable life, stable family, stable job, and stable relationships is all we need to be safe and be free. These are all good things, these are good gifts from God! But this is not our treasure. These are the treasures of the world, and yet the world is quite unsuccessful in finding these treasures and protecting them from "thief and moth." 

"For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well." ~Luke 12:30-31

     The Lord knows that you desire these good things. But you cannot have them if you do not go to him first, for He is the source of all good things. Jesus is love, the source of all love, the fullness of love. Do not think for a moment that He is an ATM for a comfortable life: prayers go in, a happy life comes out. Jesus instead desires for us to ask Him for good things by asking for the desires of His heart, His kingdom on Earth in every moment, in difficult times and in easy times. In that way, the best life you could ever have will be given to you.

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." ~Luke 12: 32-34

     Jesus encourages us, telling us to be free of worrying about the things of this world. Instead, he wants us to not be afraid of spending every part of our lives in love with Him, in giving him the center of the priorities of our hearts.

    This call is daunting. I hear so many hearts tearfully ask in despair, "How can I give everything to Him, in my weakness, my busyness, my sin, my tiredness?" I have only one answer of advice: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be." Your treasure and your heart go hand in hand. If you call out with love to the Lord, begging Him to save your heart, to protect it from the chokehold of the world around it... if you give Him your heart, then the treasure- the kingdom of heaven- will be yours. Though you can only give Him a little, he will answer with much.

    The kingdom of heaven is Christ, hidden in the womb of Our Lady, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the veil of the Eucharist, whom you have found, fallen in love with, and safely entrusted in faith to the Father; then you have, in your joy, gone and kept nothing for yourself, to humbly give yourself as a promised gift to Him who is your shepherd and savior.

    Simply ask Her: "Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus."