The Parables of the Kingdom end in this last selection from the Gospel of Matthew. Like the two previous parables on the yeast and the mustard seed, Jesus does not explain these last three. Like a good teacher, the Lord explains two parables and expects the students to figure out the rest. Verses 51-52 is a congratulary remark for those who are able to understand the unexplained parables and the explanations given for the two explained ones.
1. The parables in verses 44 and 45-46 are similar in that the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price point to the kingdom of heaven as something to be discovered whether by chance or by intent.
Reflect. Try to remember how you discovered Jesus and His Gospel. Was it by chance or was it by intent? Whether by chance or by intent, would you consider it your great find?
If you have a journal: Try to describe the moment when you discovered Jesus and His Gospel. Who were the people involved?
For your prayer: Say a prayer for that moment in your life when you discovered the Lord. Don't forget to thank God for the people involved in it.
2. Note that the man who dug and the merchant who bought the pearl of great price had to give up something so as to keep their find. Try to go back to the parable of the sower and the types of soil that did not bear fruit. These are types of people who did not give up something for the kingdom. What do you think are the things that they would not give up?
Reflect. Do you remember any teaching of the Lord where he says that one has to give up something so as to be his disciple?
If you have a journal: Do you still have something that you keep which you find difficult to give up for the kingdom? What is it? Why is it difficult to give up?
3. Scribes had the task of making sure that the treasure of the past are preserved and handed on to future generations. We have here a group of people who were directly responsible for the continuance of the tradition of the fathers. The figure of the scribe is applied to the disciple who share in the work of the Lord.
Reflect. All the baptized share in the work of evangelization which in part is also a participation in the work of passing on the Tradition of the apostles. While it is the Magisterium of the Church that is directly responsible for making sure that the Tradition continues, all the baptized share in the work as they give witness to the faith in all its stages: silent, verbal and creative (helping train other witnesses). Do you see yourself addressed in verses 51-52?
