The Gospel of today gives three short parables about the Kingdom. The first talks about the Kingdom as a treasure a man found in a field. He sold all he had and bought the field. The second says, it is like a fine pearl a merchant found, again he sold all he had and bought it. The third describes the Kingdom of Heaven from the ‘end of time view', as the separation of the good and the bad. We are not surprised that Jesus described the Kingdom of Heaven as “Treasure.” Of course, it should be of the highest value to us. But what draws our attention is that He explains it as “hidden”, “expensive” and “destruction of evil.”
Hidden Treasure
Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. Yes, it is hidden but available; available to those who value it. In other words, though it is available, it is not common! And because it is “hidden”, its value is higher. It is only those who seek that might find it. And those who find it are those to whom it is revealed. So, St Paul says in the second reading, “And those whom He predestined, He called; and those whom He called He also justified; and those whom He justified He also glorified.” What is it you seek most in your life today? What is it that has become of great value to you? Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, within it is hidden great and real treasure (Mt 6:33). “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt 6:21). Therefore, if your heart values the Kingdom of Heaven, its blessings and righteousness, your heart will be 'hidden' from the worries of this life.
Expensive Treasure
Interestingly, the first man had to buy the whole field, such that he owns both the treasure and the land in which it is hidden. By purchasing it, either as a ‘landlord' or 'businessman', the treasure becomes his rightful property that 'dwells with him.’ “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you” (Lk 17:21). But it is acquired at the highest cost! We see the example of Solomon in the first reading, who gave up the desire for wealth, power, and revenge over his enemies but asked for wisdom! The Kingdom becomes ours if we can sacrifice other little treasures to reacquire it.
How much can we offer in exchange for eternal life and the heavenly graces we need today? How much spiritual resources do we have, and how much personal holiness can we bring? So, Jesus pays the price! The price tag on the heavenly treasure is 'Jesus.’ He offers Himself on the Cross and pays the most expensive price. Thus, we who are baptized in Jesus have become “co-heirs” with Christ Jesus of the Kingdom of Heaven (RM 8:17). In Him we now have a claim to Heaven and its blessings as our own! Therefore, we give up whatever that is contrary to Christ Jesus. Hence, everything we sacrifice for sake of Jesus Christ will turn out to our advantage, for God has called us to be conformed to the image of his Son (RM 8:29).
Destruction of Evil
The net that gathers for the Kingdom contains within it good and evil. The moment of the Kingdom of Heaven shines out as the triumph of the righteous; the victory over evil. The furnace of fire, weeping and gnashing of teeth awaits all who do evil. So, the separation of good from bad is an important mark of the Kingdom. Therefore, anytime we begin to remove all sorts of evil and negativity from our lives, the Kingdom of Heaven will start shining out in us.
The treasure field has been paid for: the heavenly blessings we need today, the righteous life we want to live, and the eternal life we head to. So we give our life to Jesus; we live for Jesus, and say no any evil or immoral life. The treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven is ours. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Sunday July 26th, 2020.
