(Also…Saint Ignatius of Loyola)
Jesus Christ is the Hidden Treasure
Introduction
The radiance on the face of Moses indicates his intimate relationship with God. He is the prophet, the leader, the mediator between the people and God, the reconciler.
The two parables of today’s stress, each in its own way, that one should give up everything in order to possess the kingdom. In the first parable, the kingdom is the treasure, in the second, not the pearl, not the thing, but the person (merchant) in constant search of it. Our search should concern the things that really matter: God’s reign among people, which, in response to God’s grace, we prepare through our love, our justice, our service, our compassion and forgiveness, by which we let Christ’s death and resurrection become a reality in our day. But it is a search – an ongoing quest, never fully achieved, but always, so we hope, in growth and constant progress.
1 Reading: Exodus 34:29-35
As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD. When Aaron, then, and the other children of Israel saw Moses and noticed how radiant the skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him. Only after Moses called to them did Aaron and all the rulers of the community come back to him. Moses then spoke to them. Later on, all the children of Israel came up to him, and he enjoined on them all that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai. When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the children of Israel all that had been commanded. Then the children of Israel would see that the skin of Moses’ face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 99:5, 6, 7, 9
R. (see 9c) Holy is the Lord our God.
Extol the LORD, our God,
and worship at his footstool;
holy is he! R.
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
and Samuel, among those who called upon his name;
they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. R.
From the pillar of cloud he spoke to them;
they heard his decrees and the law he gave them. R.
Extol the LORD, our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for holy is the LORD, our God. R.
Alleluia: John 15:15b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”
Commentary
We all know people who talk very little about their faith but whose whole demeanour reflects its importance in their lives. This is the transformative power of faith. This quality brings to mind the reflection of God that shone forth in the face of Moses. Moses’ encounters with God had a lasting impression and effect upon him. His face became so brilliant that he had to keep it veiled; the veil was removed whenever he entered the tent again to consult the Lord.
The story gives us pause and the opportunity to ask what effect my faith is having on my life or the life of others. We may be well versed in church teaching, even learned scholars (Dr. Dr. Mbe), but if faith does not ignite a fire within us, it may be quite ineffective. Do we become enthused when others come to the faith? Are we willing to take the time to work patiently and at length with someone dealing with a major problem?
Sometimes we are called to give until it hurts. Years ago a pastor in Orlu was known for never having refused a request for money. When asked, at one point, if he realized how many times he had been taken advantage of, his answer was simple. “No, I don’t. But I know that God is not going to ask me about that.” What was known to all his friends and acquaintances was that his face shone like Moses’. And to behold God’s face and his life-giving light we must sell ‘everything’ and give up ‘every thing’. In turn, be able to radiate God’s light in our communities.
Blessing
We know we are dear to God. May God and our faith in him be our joy, and may His kingdom be our treasure. May God be our happiness and may he bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!