Three more parables
After explaining to His disciples the parable of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus tells them three more parables. The parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44) and the parable of the pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) tell us how two persons gave up everything they had for the sake of one ultimate prize. Indeed, the common words shared by these two parables are that after they “found” the treasure, they “went and sold all that they had to buy it”. The key word is “found”; their hearts were opened and they were able to see the immense value of the treasure that was made known to them, and they were willing to give up everything else they had.
The next parable is the parable of the net (Matthew 13:47-48). The net was thrown into the sea and caught many kinds of fish. What was good was collected, but the bad were thrown away. Jesus added to say: “Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will 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. (Matthew 13:49-50)”
Clearly, the buried treasure and the pearl of great price both refer to something of extraordinary value; some people have suggested that it is God’s love, while others have said that it is the Kingdom of God in heaven. But whichever it is, the parables teach us to regard it as something for which we must be willing to give up everything else. If we don’t value God’s love and heaven as the ultimate treasure, we may miss out on it, and end up like the bad fish that were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Is there something that stands in the way of our love of God, or of our spending eternity with God in heaven? Is it some kind of sin, or the love of earthly things, or self-serving ambition? With the help of God’s grace, we must give it all up for eternal happiness.
Updates on Archdiocesan policies:
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass through Sunday, August 30. Those who are healthy, willing and able to comply with safety protocols and who wish to attend are encouraged to do so. Those who are at high-risk of complications from COVID-19 or who are caretakers for the vulnerable are encouraged to participate in an online or televised liturgy.
If you have used ink cartridges, don’t throw them away! Please bring them to the church office. Every ink cartridge we recycle gives us $2 off for our next ink purchase. Any size ink cartridge is accepted.
Sunday Mass videos will continue to be uploaded to our church website and Facebook page. Please share with your friends. All are welcome to participate in spirit!
