GROW AS A DISCIPLE
Today we continue to hear parables about the kingdom of God and the reaction of those who find it. The merchant and the person in the field joyfully sell all they have to acquire their treasures. In a world in which we have so many responsibilities, following God may sometimes feel like an obligation. We abide by truths of the Church that are countercultural and challenging. We give our time and our money for the benefit of our community. We profess bold belief in a Gospel truth that is often questioned. These parables remind us that God desires that we move past seeking him out of a sense of obligation or duty – to a place of joy-filled abandonment to him. To experience the full joy that comes from living the Gospel, Jesus comes to us and remains with us in his sacraments. He invites us over and over again to experience his love and his joy until our hearts are changed and we joyfully put everything aside in pursuit of him.
GO EVANGELIZE
I was pulling weeds in the garden when my daughter asked how I knew which plants not to pull. I realized that I simply recognize a weed from a desired plant because I have spent time in my garden. As we journey with Christ, our eyes become fine-tuned to see the difference between what is characteristic of the kingdom of God and what is of this world. King Solomon had eyes fixed on the kingdom, and he knew the value of asking for an understanding heart to help him see more clearly. We must also ask for the wisdom to see clearly what is from God. As we encounter the beauty of God and the truth of his word, we are called to share those encounters with those who are still searching and whose eyes are untrained. Not unlike pulling weeds in the garden, we must train our eyes to find the longed-for pearl as we see and experience the truth of God’s love as a community of believers.
PRAY
As you seek to grow in understanding, pray the prayer of St. Anselm of Canterbury this week: O Lord, my God / teach my heart this day where and how to see you / where and how to find you / Let me find you by loving you/let me love you when I find you. Amen. By The Faithful Disciple