Genuine Pearls

Gospel: Matthew 13: 44-46

The meaning of these two parables is obvious enough: the kingdom of God is so precious we should do all we can to acquire it.  What is more challenging is the fact that so often we misjudge just what the kingdom of God is and where it can be found.  We imagine it as some earthly power or institution that leads us astray.  We move from one to another in disappointment such that we think at some point it does not exist at all.  

John Steinbeck wrote a novel called The Pearl wherein he reflected on this topic.  A poor man finds a rare and valuable pearl.  Thinking he can get a bright future for his infant son, he goes about in search of the highest price for the pearl.  Chased by traders and scammers, the man's infant son winds up being killed in the midst of this pursuit of wealth.  It is only at that point that the man realizes that the real pearl was his son, this irreplaceable and precious child.  

It is the same with the kingdom of God.  It is found in relationships with other people, not in buildings made of stone or in power, influence, or institutions seeking such.  The kingdom of God lies within each person and it is there in relationship that we find the kingdom and real treasure.  When we attend to these relationships, honor, and cherish them, then we acquire the kingdom of God, and we do not ever want to lose it or these relationships.