By FR. RICHARD D. BRETON JR.
Today we return to our discussion of the parables of Jesus. I want to take a moment to remind us about the importance of the parables. Why did Jesus need to use parables? In Jesus’ ministry, it was likely that He would have encountered so many different people. These encounters would have included the disciples, the Pharisees, and large groups of people who may have been listening to Him for the very first time.
Jesus had to engage this wide group of different people, the educated and ordinary, so He used the parables to engage them all, whomever He was speaking to. Through the parables Jesus revealed to them all the mystery of the Kingdom of God, while challenging their ordinary, and often ancient held, views, forcing them to think beyond earthly things. The ordinary things referenced to in the parables like plants, vines, seeds, and sowers, were simple aspects of life that the people understood.
He also spoke about what we would now call family dynamics, dinner parties and weddings, again because these were events that resonated with the ordinary lives of the people. In all, the parables touched on life themes including: love, forgiveness, God’s Kingdom, prayer, our redemption, and the end times. What is interesting in all of the parables was that Jesus intentionally leaves out key details and people’s names.
Why? Well, possibly to allow us to place ourselves in the situations he is talking about. This allows us to consider, prayerfully, the moral of the parable as it pertains to our own lives and circumstances. The parables of Jesus are as important now as they were then. If we take the parables seriously, not as fables, but as opportunities of conversion, then they have the potential to teach us something about ourselves. Parables never celebrate the status quo because they always celebrate the individual dignity of the person.
Looking For Fine Pearls
Having been reminded of the great need for the parables, today we will look at the Parable of the Pearl. This parable is found only in the Gospel of St. Matthew where it says: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45).
How does this parable find meaning in our lives today? In it, we are reminded of the “fake” pearls we find every day in our lives. These “fake” pearls look shiny and are pretty, and because of this, they draw us into a reality that we find attractive. Often, however, these shiny “fake” pearls are what lead to the distractions and possessions we chase in life. Some of these include power, money, and prestige. These “fake” pearls are misguiding us and often lead to the anxiety, frustration, and disappointment we find in our lives.
Today’s world is full of “fake” pearls. Scattered before us, they seem so beautiful as they fill the voids we find in our lives. If we are not careful, these pearls can make the void almost unbearable. The struggles of society today, I believe, are the result of the “fake” pearls scattered throughout the world by the evil one, meant to distract us and draw us further from a relationship with God. The entire struggle that exists today regarding the dignity of the human person, is the result of the “fake” pearls that have been scattered among society. The “fake” pearl of society’s misguided understanding of human sexuality has been placed right before our eyes. Its shiny luster attracts so many into believing their sexuality is whatever they want it to be. What is even more disturbing is the fact that they are not able to see how the “fake” pearl has led them to live a fake life.
Even though the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is so short, there are still important life lessons for us. Jesus never said anything that we can’t use to improve our lives! Below are two key takeaways from the Parable of the Pearl. I hope you can apply these spiritual truths to enhance your own life. With this in mind, if we look at the parable we see how Jesus encourages us to always look for the “real” pearl like the merchant did. For us, the true pearl is God and no other pearl matters more than the pearl of God.
The parable begins by telling us that the “great” pearl represents the Kingdom of God and was found by a merchant who went searching for it. In the same way, if we are to find happiness in this life, we must go and search for the “true” pearl that matters and that is the Kingdom of God. God freely gives us a share in His Kingdom, but He calls us to participate in it. God doesn’t force Himself on us. He is nearby and present for us at all times, but He doesn’t reveal Himself unless we invite Him. During the time of Jeremiah the prophet, God spoke of the desire we all have of “seeking” God: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).
Seek And You Shall Find
Seeking requires an action on our part. As the merchant found the pearl of great value when he went looking for it, but actually seeking, so we will find Christ when we seek Him. For those of us who are on the journey that leads to Heaven, nothing will be just handed to us, we are required to do our part. Seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.
Once we find the pearl of great value, the Kingdom of God, what do we do with it? When the merchant found the pearl of great value, he realized it was worth selling all his possessions to keep the pearl. When we discover the indescribable value of God’s Kingdom, we realize the value is worth more than any possession we have. There are no earthly possessions that are as valuable as God. Nothing, and no one, is as important as the relationship we have with God. Once we know God, we come to realize that earthly possessions can stand in the way of developing a true relationship with Him.
In fact, Jesus calls us to participate in the search for the “pearl of the Kingdom,” when He says: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matt. 19:21).
Having examined the parable of the pearl, what is the moral of the story Jesus is trying to say to us? Well, Jesus is not just giving us a moral to ponder. Rather, Jesus has given us the key that opens the door to a life that is fruitful and happy. In addition, the parable reminds us that for us Catholic Christians, Jesus Himself is the Pearl of Great Value. In seeking the Kingdom of God, Jesus is the key that opens the door to everlasting life. When we seek and find Jesus, there is no other pearl that surpasses the beauty and luster we see in Christ Jesus.
The world scatters “fake” pearls before us that confuse and distract us, but only Jesus placed the “pearl” of Himself on the wood of the Cross in order that we might be saved.
May all who are searching for meaning in their lives today find the “true pearl” of Christ the living God, and may they recognize that its beauty surpasses our understanding!
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