Jesus today teaches the parables of the kingdom in a way that even the apostles can understand.
Gospel (Read Mt 13:44-52)
The Gospel reading adds to the unusually high number of parables that we have in one chapter. The first two stories are almost identical. In one, the kingdom is compared to a “treasure buried in a field.” The one who finds the treasure immediately recognizes its great value, so he hides it again, for safe-keeping, and “out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” He is thrilled with the prospect of the riches the treasure will bring him. The value of the treasure is so great that he doesn’t hesitate to sell all his other belongings. The treasure in the field is more valuable than anything he owns. A merchant goes out to find fine pearls in the next parable. He finds one of staggering quality; he, too, “goes and sells all he has and buys it.” He knows that the pearl of great price will more than compensate him for whatever losses he has to count. What’s the message?
It is important to understand the difference between Jesus’ comparison of the kingdom of Heaven and the earthly treasures.
