The Kingdom of Heaven—Treasure Hidden In A Field
Introduction
Today, the Church in Nigeria celebrates the Feast of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi. He, in humility, deep prayer life and pastoral activity, lived for his flock and lived for the gospel. In fact, St Paul seems to address his reputation in the First Reading of today when he writes inter alia, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” No doubt, Father Tansi lived for the interests of other and the kingdom. We are invited to imitate him as we celebrate today’s Feast.
1 Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Brethren: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6 (R.1de)
R. Your anger turned away and you comforted me.
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. R.
Give thanks to the LORD,
call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the nations,
proclaim that his name is exalted. R.
“Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known[a] in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” R.
Gospel Acclamation: 2 Corinthians 5:19
Alleluia, alleluia!
God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46
At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “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.
Commentary
Iwene Tansi was born in Aguleri, in the present Anambra State of Nigeria, in 1903. His parents were not Christians, but they sent Iwene to a school run by Catholic missionaries. There he learned about Jesus and made the decision to become a follower of Christ. He received the name Michael when he was baptized.
Teachers were needed for the Catholic schools founded by the missionaries, so Michael decided to become a teacher. He earned his teaching certificate when he was only 16. He taught for several years and even became a headmaster, or principal. Michael’s work was satisfying, but he wanted to do more to help others to find Christ.
He thus, entered St. Paul’s Seminary at Igbariam in 1925. After ordination in 1937, he served as a parish priest in several villages. It was important for him to know all his parishioners, so he traveled on foot or on his bicycle to minister to the poor, the lonely, and the sick. He had a special interest in preparing young women for marriage. With the help of local nuns, the women were taught about Christian marriage and how to care for the children they would have.
Michael longed for the chance to spend more time in quiet prayer. He bishop gave him permission to join an order of Trappist monks in England. In the monastery, Michael took the name “Father Cyprian.” He hoped that one day he would be able to open a Trappist monastery in Nigeria.
After many prayerful years in the monastery, Father Cyprian died in 1964. His body was returned to his homeland for burial in 1986.
Father Cyprian was declared “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II in 1998 in Nigeria.
(This history is compiled with added information from <saintsresource.com>)
Blessing
The kingdom of heaven is a hidden treasure or fine pearl which those in search for salvation long for. The Lord makes himself available to these, like Blessed Tansi, who search for him consistently in faith. And may almighty God bless you all: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. R/ Amen.
Blessed Father Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi – Pray For Us!