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Treasure in a Field
By Fr. Dennis | May 5, 2008
In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus tells us:
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
I was thinking about that passage yesterday after reading a friend’s webpage. A law student, she asked her readers to help her think through a legal question. She says she is “…knee deep in property — who possesses me, the finder or the property owner?” Evidently, she’s studying property law at the moment, probably getting ready for finals.
And while I can’t be much help regarding property law in our tradition, I do have a clue about how Jesus thought about it. When you find a treasure in a field, you buy the field to possess the treasure. When we hear that parable, we imagine that we are the one’s who have found something of great value, so we go and give up everything to possess it. That’s a great way to read this passage, for surely it is worth everything to be in possession of the Kingdom of Heaven.
But the way my friend phrased her question, “who possesses me,” made me reconsider the treasure and the pearl. For who possesses her? Who possesses you? Who possesses me? Who gave up everything, emptied himself completely, taking the form of a slave, living obediently his Father’s will, all for the sake of “purchasing” us, “redeeming” us, to claim us as his own possession?
Yes, the treasure and the pearl are worth you and I giving up everything. But in the mind of Jesus, my friend is worth giving up everything. I am worth giving up everything. You are worth giving up everything. We are treasures hidden in a field. We are pearls of great price.
At least, that’s how Jesus sees us.
Topics: Reflection |
May 6th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Well said.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:53 am
And it should be mutual.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Love is a two way street… We are the jewels Jesus purchased…through his death is, also, our resurrection.
But we too must consider what we will be willing to sell so we can buy into Him. As you have…to buy into the priesthood so you may possess Him. Your Graduation is in 3 more days, and your Ordination is then one month away. And you are a messenger and an example; and the one who encourages and challenges others to sellout and buy in.