July 28, 2002

Today's scriptures are like a chest filled with buried treasures for those willing to hunt them down. The First Reading shows Solomon asking God for wisdom, a treasure beyond price and truly rare. The Psalmist treasures the Law of the Lord far above silver and gold, and Paul extols the treasure of God's grace. Finally, Matthew speaks of the greatest treasure, the kingdom of heaven. All these treasures are more than worth risking everything to seek and make them our own.

None of these treasures, however, is meant to remain buried. Solomon's wisdom, the Psalmists love of the Word, Paul's faith, and Matthew's knowledge all increased in value as they were shared with the community and generations of believers. Jesus' final parable of the kingdom illustrates the purpose of all these treasures, that they might act as a dragnet collecting all sorts of people into the inclusive reign of God. For when our treasures are shared, everybody wins the treasure hunt.

Again this week, the Gospel ends with the image of judgement day. Again we have to remind ourselves that we are not yet there. We are still trying to drag the lakes so that everyone has a chance of being scooped up into the reign of God. Paul says we were predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, so that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters. We who love God are called to share our priceless treasures with all we meet.

SO THE QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE BURIED TREASURE GOD WANTS YOU TO SHARE?

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