The title of today's sharing is taken from our Gospel for today from Matthew 13:44-46, 'The Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field........
Many of you will know that I have a song called 'Treasure in a field,' which is track 8 on 'Awesome God'. Many people down the years have loved this song especially young people. The words are below for you to follow.
Treasure in a field
Accept yourself
Don’t have to prove anything
Just be yourself
You make the world a special place to be
And I hope you have the faith to see
That you’ve no need to travel far
For treasure in a field
Accept your past
The years have formed you
And life awaits the gift
The gift that you can give is yours alone
And in your way you’ve clearly shown
That you’ve no need to travel far
For treasure in a field
And even though it’s true your life’s been hard
And few have understood the pain inside
It doesn’t mean to say you have to run
And hide
The stage is set
The light is cast upon you
And don’t forget
Your friends are here to help you through the scene
And once begun you’ll begin to dream
Cause you’ve no need to travel far
For treasure in a field
The time will come
When someone else who in need
Will turn and run
Afraid to face what lies ahead for them
And you will turn and stand with them
For you’ll have found your strength within
Your treasure in a field
Of course the treasure in a field in the Gospel parable is an image of the Kingdom. Jesus reveals to us how precious it is. It's the only thing that has true value and worth giving our all for. He is the one who reveals the treasure to us through his words and actions of love and mercy. He points it out to us because he has the eyes to recognize it. He has given us the gift to recognize the signs too and in that recognition be present, be grateful and treasure our experience and what we witness and contribute to bringing it about. Ultimately, it is an encounter with him.
I recognized the gift and treasure of a group of young people struggling to find their sense of belonging and place in the world many years ago now which inspired today's song. I had a sense of Christ gazing at them and loving them. Our experience together supporting, encouraging and accepting one another was like the 'someone' who discovered the treasure in a field in today's parable.
Next week I am heading for Rome to be part of a Marist formation workshop. The members of our congregation involved with forming future Marists and priests from around the world will be sharing our experiences and receiving input from teachers on the subject of formation. Please keep us and those who are discerning a vocation with us in your prayers. This will be my last sharing for awhile until I return home.
Blessings on your week and the weeks ahead. Ciao!