Reading
Matthew 13:44-46
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Comment
These two parables reported by Matthew have the same meaning. Both represent salvation as something hidden from most men, but of such value that it is worth giving up everything to own.
The parable of the hidden treasure is inscribed in the Jewish wisdom tradition, as attested by the book of Proverbs: "if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Pr 2:4-5).
In the parable of the precious pearl, the Greek verb zetèo - to seek - is a crucial term. In fact, only those who seek the kingdom of God will find it.
Jews who reject Jesus did not seek sincerely. This does not exclude the exhortative application of the meaning of these parables to Christians themselves.
The scriptures are the field where the treasure of salvation is hidden. It is not in an enclosed garden, but in an open field, so that anyone can discover it, searching the word of God. However, it is necessary to investigate the Scriptures deeply and not stop at the surface.
Christ is the treasure, the pearl of great value; he who makes us rich before God.
Prayer
Let us find you o Lord because we are poor until we have known you, who are the good of those who accumulate treasures in heaven. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
