Mt. 13:44-52
The 18th July 2023 was a heartbreaking day for the state of Kerala. Mr. Oommen Chandey, the previous chief minister of Kerala, passed away. He was one of the most credible, committed, and compassionate political leaders of all time. His life was the exact fulfilment of Jesus words: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:45) He did not make a career out of his public life but lived a life of service. Others needs were his priority, and he never acted with any vested interests. The state was stunned by the multitude that gathered to pay their final homage to their beloved leader. Kerala had witnessed such a moving funeral before when other renowned leaders passed away, but Omman Chandey’s memories differ because thousands are flocking to his tomb with their requests just like while he was alive, and they strongly believe that this man was a saint and now his intercession will continue to assist them. We could pronounce for sure that He truly possessed eternal life, the unending treasure…
Eternal life—is it easily available to all? Often, we take for granted that eternal life is easily available to all since we are baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity. It is true that through the meritorious sacrifice of Christ, the possibility of inheriting eternal life is open to all, but we need to collaborate with God’s grace to do so. In today’s gospel, we see Jesus use the analogies of hidden treasure in the field, costly pearls, and a net thrown into the sea. When a person finds the treasure in the field, he or she sells everything that they have in order to buy the field. Once they possess the field, only they can claim the treasure that they found in it. The person who discovered the treasure has been blessed with the insight that the treasure that he/she has found is more precious than everything he/she has. This urgency prompts him/her to sell everything and buy the file to possess the treasure. Similarly, once we come to know the worth of eternal life, we are ready to forgo everything in order to possess it.
Likewise, once the merchant realises the worth of the pearl that he has found, he/she makes the best of his or her efforts to inherit that particular pearl of great worth. Eternal life is such a great pearl. We don’t need anything else when this precious pearl is with us. Thirdly, eternal life is similar to the net thrown into the sea. All have the same possibility of being part of eternal life based on the lives that we lead. We have to lead a morally upright life, and then only we will be chosen to be part of this eternal life.
We may know all the details concerning eternal life, but we may not give due importance to the need to live a life worthy of inheriting eternal life. In today’s first reading, we see the Lord appearing to King Solomon and asking for his heartfelt desire. Solomon did not ask for a name, fame, money, or gold. Instead, he asked his understanding and discerning mind to know good and evil. The Lord was immensely happy with his choice and blessed him with all the possible glory and wealth. To recognise eternal life like hidden treasure or a precious pearl and to possess it, we need an understanding and discerning mind to know good and evil.
As we continue our faith journey, let us make Solomon’s prayer our own and realise that eternal life is the greatest treasure that we can have in our journey of life. When the entire world runs behind material things to possess the treasures and pleasures of this world, let us be wise enough to make a choice for eternal life.