Parables of the treasure and the pearl

Dear Parishioners,

In the Gospel story we see, the Kingdom of heaven is worth investing everything we have to acquire it. However, we need the wisdom that comes from God to see this. Knowing that we are sinners, sometimes foolish, let us confess to God all our weaknesses.

In the 2 parables of the treasure and the pearl Jesus encourages us to search. The third parable which is of the net has the same message as that of the wheat and the weeds as last Sunday.

We look for treasure that will make us completely happy. We work for the pearl- for the Kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the presence of God and everybody is called to be united.

“In Christ’s word, in his works, and in His presence this kingdom reveals itself to men” (2^nd Vatican Council-The Church).

The Kingdom of God is found now within us. Working for the Kingdom means to work for beauty, perfection and charity. Jesus himself is the Kingdom of God who came to serve and to die for others. Jesus wants the fullness of our heart.

The treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand, work. Those who belong to the kingdom will taste real joy even here. In his love for us, God has given each of us a great treasure, the treasure of our divine dignity as his children. Let us be careful lest we throw it away. We will never be happy unless we find the treasure that God has hidden in our own field. That is unless we have found the treasure of own worth as his children.

 “The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of love.” This Kingdom will not come in a day but by the task of lifetime. “For the Lord wishes to spread His Kingdom by means of the laity also, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” (Second Vatican Council).

 “The Kingdom is something within you, which has the power of growth like a seed; something that you are searching for, and of whose values you become more confident and excited as the search proceeds and you discover truer, lovelier things, which are constantly being surpassed; something for which you have to give everything you have, no less yet no more, including the earlier finds with which you were once so completely delighted” (George Appleton).

Mother Teresa prays: “Dear Jesus, Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel your presence in my soul.” If we find God, we find all. “Your kingdom come! ”

I thank all the parishoiners, Fr. Joe and Germaine for your loving concern towards me during all these years. Pray regularly for our St. Joseph the Worker church and for our country. All

of you are in my prayerful heart and in memory. I take all your loving faces to Bangladesh. God bless you all and Bangladesh!

Fr. Louis Sushil Pereira