Dear St. Theresa family,

Last Sunday we heard the three short parables of the kingdom from the 13^th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. The first two are about the kingdom here and now and the third is about the end of time. The first one was about the man who found a treasure in a field and sold all he had to buy that field. The second was about a merchant in search of fine pearls who when finding the pearl of great price gives all he has in order to own it. These first two are meant to put things in perspective. What is it we value the most? If the answer is the kingdom of God, then we understand that there is nothing else we should fear letting go so that we can fully possess what God wants for us. Who values us the most?  If the answer is God, then we understand that there is nothing he would not give up in order to have us completely to himself.

There are days when we ask ourselves, “Is it all worth it?” At some point discouragement and doubt enter every life. Is it really the treasure hidden in the field? The pearl of great price? In our less troubled moments we can say , “Yes” when we consider what God has done for us.

Salvation is not something we have to go and seek. It comes to us as a gift of God. St. Paul says that faith is not something we attain. It is extended by God to us, recognizing us as the most precious thing attainable. Realizing that, how can we be anything but grateful? How can we respond other than wanting nothing more than to own the whole field? And, knowing we are a holy nation, a chosen people, and pearls of great price, how can we be anything but completely thankful as that price was the full and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

So, what else can we do but to go all in, trading in all we have previously thought valuable in exchange for what God wants to give us, the kingdom? On those days when we are discouraged and in doubt as to our worthiness or value, return to this parable and be reminded of how precious we are in the sight of God and how he spares nothing to save us.

Have a redeemed day!

Fr. Larry