A Reflection on 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.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and
sold all that he had and bought it."

These words of Jesus Christ have echoed through my brain all day. In some ways, they have even been reverberating through my mind and soul for weeks, even months.

As I have meditated in front of the Blessed Sacrament and contemplated God's will for my life, I have been particularly focused on a certain idea: self-sacrifice for the sake of building the City of God on earth. Over the course of days and weeks, the idea has crystalized in my mind and heart. Now I can share it with you.

God is calling me to forsake the things of this world and pursue Him to the fullest! Yes, that sounds very vague, and even difficult for a married man such as myself. But, there is a simple answer. My situation calls me to live not in total physical or economic poverty, but in a perpetual state of spiritual poverty; without attachment to mental and bodily desires and the standards of my culture.

Further, my sacrifices (physical, mental, and spiritual) should all be directed toward the ultimate goal: finding and gaining the kingdom of Heaven. Indeed, it is the "pearl of great price" that I must desire above all else. And, I must not allow anything to impeed my progress toward that goal; I must only engage in activities that allow me to draw nearer to my crucified Lord; I must become detached everything that does not help me to bear spiritual fruit.

These things are possible, but only through lots of prayer and support from those who are closest to me. I do pray that I can please God in such a way, and that those around me will offer their prayers on my behalf. Please pray that I might, one day, be transformed into the person God desires me to be. (I'll pray for you as well!)

God Bless.

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