Reflect today on your experience of discovering the Kingdom of God

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and for joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field." Matthew 13:44

Here are three things to think about regarding this passage: 1) The Kingdom of God is like a "treasure"; 2) It is hidden, waiting to be found; 3) Once discovered, it is worth giving up everything that is needed to get it.

First, it is helpful to reflect on the image of the Kingdom of God as a treasure. The image of a treasure brings with it various lessons. A treasure is often considered enough to make it rich if found. If it were not of such great value it would not be considered a treasure. So the first lesson we should take is that the value of God's Kingdom is great. In fact, it has an infinite value. Yet so many people see it as something undesirable and choose many other "treasures" instead.

Second, it is hidden. It is not hidden in the sense that God does not want us to find out; rather, it is hidden in the sense that God does not want us to find out. He is waiting for us, waiting to be discovered and cheered when found. This also reveals the great excitement felt in making this authentic discovery of the Kingdom of God among us.

Third, when someone discovers the riches of the Kingdom of God and the riches of the life of grace, the experience should be so inspiring that there is little hesitation in making the choice to give up everything to get what has been found. What a joy there is in coming to the awareness of the life of grace and mercy! It is a discovery that will change your life and lead you to abandon everything else in search of the new treasure that has been discovered.

Reflect today on your experience of discovering the Kingdom of God. Have you let yourself be amazed by the value of this treasure? If so, have you also allowed the discovery of this life of grace to attract you so deeply that you are ready and willing to give up everything to acquire it? Put your eyes on this gift of infinite value and allow the Lord to guide you in his search.

Lord, I love you and I thank you for the treasure of the Kingdom that you have prepared for me. Help me make this hidden discovery every day in a more complete and stimulating way. When I discover this treasure, give me the courage I need to abandon any other selfish effort in life so that I can seek this one and only gift. Jesus I believe in you.