(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure found in a field and like a pearl of great value. Many times Jesus seems to have told double parables, each emphasizing the same teaching. Often the parables have contrasting features. Today ours tell of opposites: a poor man and a rich man; an accidental find and a life-long search
Jesus’ parables do not have many details: we can easily supply details and raise question based on the details we supply. We do not, however, need the details. We can understand the plot lines: each one recognizes the value before him and each one acts according to the value perceived.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure and like a merchant in search of a valuable pearl. All the wealth that we have is the price for the treasures. We can have only the treasure or the money, possessions and properties that we think we have. The kingdom of heaven also reminds us that the kingdom of God is searching for a valuable pearl, but we are that pearl and God is looking for us and spends his life for acquire us. The parables would have us think of the commitments we make, whether for self-sufficiency or for the kingdom, and they also remind us that we are worthy of being in the kingdom.
The kingdom of heaven is like the treasure that a royal prince discovered beyond the royal family and for which he would give up the royal family. The kingdom of heaven is among us for us to discover and commit ourselves to. What are the riches that we have to give up in order to have this much more valuable kingdom of heaven?