Jesus told a parable about a man who found a buried treasure in a field. The man rejoiced at finding the treasure. He "sold all he had and bought that field" (Mt 13:44). Jesus said that "the reign of God is like" buying such a field with buried treasure (Mt 13:44).
Jesus lived this parable. From heaven, the Lord looked "down; He [saw] all mankind" (Ps 33:13). When we look at people, we might see a "field" of twisted deceit and dysfunction (see Jer 17:9). We might find it difficult to see anything of value, much less any treasure. But the Lord sees buried treasure in human hearts.
What do you see when you look at your own life? You may only see brokenness and a mess beyond repair. You may be "little in your own esteem" (1 Sm 15:17), but the Lord Jesus sees a buried treasure in the field of your life. Do you know your value in the sight of God? You belong to Him; "you are God's field" (1 Cor 3:9, RSV-CE). Jesus gave all He had, His divine life, in order to pay the purchase price (1 Cor 6:20) and buy you for His own. He has dreams of great fruitfulness, even a "hundredfold" harvest from the field of your life (Mk 4:20).
Therefore, give your life to Him Who has already purchased you. Change your lifestyle; store up heavenly treasure in order to be rich in what matters to God (Lk 12:21). Be good soil as God's field. Bear abundant fruit for Him (Jn 15:4-5, 8).
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the grace to imitate Jesus by seeing the hidden treasure in the lives of those You have placed in my path. Help me to lay down my life for them as Jesus did (1 Jn 3:16). |
| PROMISE: | "Happy the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own inheritance." –Ps 33:12 |
| PRAISE: | Each year, Fr. Anthony instructs and baptizes several Muslim converts to the faith. He delights in teaching them about the mercy and love of Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College