‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field’
‘The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls’
For the past three Sundays the Gospel readings have been parables about the kingdom of God. The kingdom is not so much a place as a way of living and loving; what early Christians called the ‘Way’.
The images used by Jesus in today’s extract from His teaching are those of the ‘Hidden Treasure’ and the ‘Pearl of Great Price’. One man, a poor labourer, made his exciting discovery during an ordinary day’s work.
Another man, a rich merchant, struck gold after a lifetime’s search. So it is for us. God can reveal Himself in a sudden moment of beauty, or in the depth of suffering and loss. The treasure is near. Everywhere is a ‘God-zone’. Everything is touched by divine hands. Creation is the monstrance of God.
Ignatian spirituality is based on the principle of ‘finding God in all things’. Our challenge is to dig deeper, notice, be aware.