Sunday Scriptures:
1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
When you've got this reading from Romans, who needs more? But we get more. Much more.
If you've been reading here lately, you've heard me talking to myself about putting aside ideas of success or impact in favor of being faithful and trusting. If you got our newsletter yesterday, you might have heard a plaintive note: why isn't anyone else coming to join us? Again the conclusion: not my business. My job is to be faithful to this gift.
Sandra Schneiders framed her masterwork on the religious life around the parable of the treasure in the field. It could as easily have been the pearl. Those of us who follow this call know that we've found the big one, the treasure of treasures. It's worth all we have.
Of course, there are other pearls and other vocations. Someone called to family life might find that pearl in their spouse and children. Others will find it in their work or ministry. Blessed are those who find their treasure, and who do what it takes to claim it.
Pedro Arrupe, former Superior General of the Jesuits, wrote this about vocation:
"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything."
Mustard seeds that grow into huge bushes.
Leaven that makes a whole loaf grow.
Pearls beyond price, treasure worth our all.
That's what I'm after, for me and for you.
And, as Paul says, it's all there waiting for us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We can turn our backs and pretend not to see, but God is there. Offering treasure in tiny packages.
What are you in love with?
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