Week of July 27th

Matthew 13:44-52

Without even searching, a man unexpectedly stumbles upon a pot of gold at the beginning of the rainbow.  The treasure is simply a free gift he cannot possess, but receive only in joy.  A man, upon finding a great pearl, discovers its purchase price will cost him everything, including himself.  A net, all by itself, gathers fish of every kind -- the good, the bad, and the ugly -- which are sorted only when the net is full.  "Do you understand all this?"  asks Jesus.  "Yes," responded his disciples.  "Good, then you will find your identity in God's will and live according to the treasures of the kingdom." 

Where is your great treasure to be found?  Is it in living in, and according to, God's will for your life?  So often we settle for lesser treasures that are only temporary, fleeting things.  Thus, we sometimes find ourselves living far less than satisfying lives.  But when we understand where true treasure is to be found, and we are willing to pay the purchase price, we too will find our identity in God's will and live according to the treasures of the kingdom.  May your life be enriched by God's treasures.

Prayer for the Week

Loving God, whose realm is like treasure hidden in a field, like a pearl of great value, like a tree with many branches that emerges from a tiny seed, focus our attention on your will for us, for our community, for our world, that we might experience your reign among us, yearn for its fulfillment, and give our best efforts toward full realization of the community of faith on earth as in heaven.  Amen.