Dear Parishioners,
I live with our daughter, her husband and three children. When
I think about all that is happening in our world, it is often with
a view toward what the world will be like for them? Our
readings today offer some insight into that future (1 KGS 3:5, 7-12; PS 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; ROM 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52). The Gospel
from Matthew contains several parables about the kingdom of
heaven. It is a place, a state of being that people prize and go
to great lengths to obtain. It is described as a treasure, a pearl
of great price, an abundance of good. This is the goal for
which we are to give our lives and to endeavor to make real.
We are to give over our efforts, our focus and our actions so
that God’s reign may become real. We are to make goodness
happen, to create a way of life that is worthy of Christ’s
sacrifice and God’s creative spirit.
I want my children and their children to live their lives open to this goodness. It starts with following God’s commandments to love God and to love our neighbors. It follows also to participate in the community of Church and to have frequent and regular participation in the sacraments. The “pearl of great price” is not some possession, some wealthy piece of real estate, or an expensive piece of jewelry. Rather it is a way of life that reflects and respects God’s presence in our world. Because all people have been created by God, we are to hold all people with respect as we love others. That is why the focus that racism has received recently is also important. Racism holds others as less than me, less worthy of love and respect, less of a person. I want my kids and their kids to look to others without the bitterness, meanness, and violence that racism brings. I think a world without racial discrimination is one that manifests in part the treasure, the great pearl, the goodness to which our scripture today refers.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
