Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!
The Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; On finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13: 43 – 46
We often hear sermons on these two parables. The treasure hidden in a field, and the pearl of great price – we are asked, “What would you be willing to give up to obtain these priceless treasures?” Today, let’s think of it a different way. Let’s say God found these precious treasures in the form of our souls, the souls of His most precious children. Lost, buried in a field of dirt, closed in by a shell of sin. He desires to bring our souls into His Kingdom – to know His love, to receive His forgiveness. But what cost must be paid for the reunion? We are unable to make the payment. Only He can. The very life of His Son Jesus, the Lamb of God, blood shed upon the cross – this is the price. And He will pay this price on Holy Friday, to gather the scattered treasures of our lost souls, to reestablish the inheritance lost through sin.
Let us pray with St. Gregory:
And now, you have miraculously endowed all things with the supreme light of your goodness, gathering as your own, the scattered treasures and reestablishing your inheritance,
redeem me also, wiping out the debt of my sins.
You, who minister without charge to the unworthy,
grant me also atonement and healing,
O compassionate, mighty, inscrutable,
incorruptible and awesome,
eternally blessed one,
unto the ages of ages.
Amen
Prayer 14 D
