Jer. 15:10,16-21, Ps. 59:2-5,10-11,17-18, Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
If I were to offer you money in exchange for your Christian Faith, how much would that be? How much money would be enough just for you to denounce your relationship with Christ forever?
A young man parked a very expensive car by the road and decided to conduct a social test. He stood by the corner and tried asking a lady out but she bluntly told him she was not interested, and then he started walking towards the car. When the lady noticed he was the owner of the car, she ran to him saying she was now interested. Another lady who initially said her wedding was coming up also ran after him when she noticed his car.
Like these ladies, we are not yet fully converted unless we reach a point where all the money in the world is no longer enough to buy our faith. If God is not a priority in your life, if you cannot let go of everything else like the merchant who sold all his possessions just to buy a field containing a treasure (or just one fine pearl), you do not deserve that kingdom.
Can I say: “With Jesus alone, I am satisfied?” Am I willing to sacrifice all I have, all my friends and connections, all my possessions just for the sake of being part of God’s kingdom? Can I say with the psalmist today that “God is my refuge in the day of my distress?”
In the face of the persecutions Jeremiah suffered, God assures “they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you.” Do I have such firm confidence in God? Or is it the case that my bank alerts give me more confidence?
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, help me to live a good life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 17 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jer. 15:10,16-21, Ps. 59:2-5,10-11,17-18, Matthew 13:44-46).
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu