Worth Repeating

A sign of an accomplished teacher is to repeat significant information, as in ‘This will be on the test, so let me repeat it.’ Keeping young people riveted to teacher talk is challenging. For adults, the same holds especially true when it comes to church words: the mystical body, original sin, begotten son, and other concepts that roll out, barely making an impression. Often, vague abstracts need concrete examples to hold the words before they float away.

Now, some of Jesus’ disciples had a trade or profession, but many were unlearned, without any formal education. Regardless, their expectation of an everlasting life with God is valid, although lacking in specifics. Jesus has repeated that the Kingdom of heaven is like: a mustard seed, yeast, a large net.

The grace of God comes to them to embrace the living presence of Jesus, leading by example and in his teaching. The abstract is likened to the familiar, as hidden treasure and a priceless pearl are found. Jesus is speaking to those who believe in him, unlike parables warning against doing wrong, i.e., the master and the unforgiving servant or the faithful and the wicked servant. And Matthew would certainly know about giving up his precious job as a tax collector and money to follow Jesus.

For those of us who haven’t recently discovered any hidden, priceless gold or pearls, we can look at the treasures we do have. Whatever we take pleasure in having, we may not readily want to give up, but the odds are on this Kingdom that will bring us the greatest joy.

In the meantime, we meet God in our daily meditations; truly our treasure, but one that isn’t hidden.

Prayer

O God, be gracious and bless us, and let your face shine upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth, and all nations learn your salvation. (Psalm 67 adapted in Praise God in His Holy Place by Bernard J. Camire SSS).