HIDDEN TREASURE, THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE AND THE NET
In the gospel for this weekend, we continue to reflect on Jesus’ teachings regarding the Kingdom of God through the parables. Three parables are given to us this weekend: the parables of the hidden treasure, the pearl and the net. These three parables are unique to Matthew’s gospel. The hidden treasure and the pearl of great price represent the Kingdom of God, the ultimate aim and desire of the human heart. Eternal life with God is ultimately the greatest treasure. But, how seriously do we work hard for it? Looking at our current priorities, where does it stand? If we do our best and devote so much time to things that we know won’t last forever, then why not work extra hard on things that would assure us of eternal life with God? What are these things? We start, of course, with our own unique relationship with God. How is our prayer life? Do we have constant and regular communication with God? What is the quality of this relationship? From our relationship with God, we move to the way we relate with one another. How am I in relation to others? Do others see God in me in the way I lead my life? These are important questions that we all need to answer with much sincerity and honesty in order for us to find the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The thing is, it is not that hidden anymore —Jesus already showed us the way in order to possess it. It is up to us how interested we are in sharing in the joy of God’s kingdom. What would it take us to truly work in attaining God’s kingdom?
The parable of the net thrown into the sea speaks of the second coming of the Son of Man, which we call Parousia. Parables oftentimes, just like last Sunday, touch on eschatological realities (from the Greek word eschatos which means last or end). I mentioned last Sunday in my homily that when we hear parables or stories that depict what will happen on the last day, on the day of judgment, we are confronted with a dilemma on how we can reconcile the God who is merciful and loving with the God who is also a Judge, who, in the words of Matthew in today’s gospel, will send His “angels to go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
If we really reflect on it, there is no contradiction between a Loving God and a Just God. One of the most defining characters of a human person, which is exclusively ours, is our ability to decide and to choose between right and wrong. This is precisely what we mean when we say that we are created in the image and likeness of God. But, at the same time, it also comes with a huge responsibility. To choose what is right and wrong costs us something: heaven, purgatory and hell. And, God can never force us to do something outside our own will. He could do that, but he wont because it will be a contradiction to his own very self. The thing is when one chooses darkness, he/she can’t be in the light at the same time and vice-versa; it is one’s choosing and not God’s. The Lord can only point or invite us to the path of conversion, but the ultimate decision is ours to make. And our own decision or the exercise of our free will has its consequences. So, if today is the day where God will throw his net, where are we going to find ourselves?
– Fr. Cary