The Memorial of St Ignatius of Loyola

Ex. 34:29-35, Mt. 13:44-46. At some turning points in our lives and certainly at the hour of death, we will be faced with the prospect of leaving all behind to embrace something radically new. While in today's Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples for radical dedication to the Kingdom of God, the first reading also illustrates how, in his loyal service of God, Moses was transformed. This mighty warrior led his people out of Egypt towards the Promised Land. Now, after being in intimate conversation with God, Moses had such a foretaste of Heaven: “the skin of his face became radiant.” The peace, strength and compassion of God shone from the eyes and face of this man of God. In the Law of God is the true treasure of mankind, His truth and His ways.

Jesus mentions this treasure in today's Gospel parable when people find something of high value, first, a box of treasure and the other a priceless pearl. How they make these discoveries is quite different. One finds treasure by accident, while not looking for anything in particular. In the other case, the merchant was actively searching for fine pearls and, eventually, as a result of persistent searching, found one pearl of great value which stood out from all the rest. The first parable suggests that this treasure comes to us as a grace. We can be surprised by God’s gracious initiative, hidden beneath the surface of our lives. Grace can break through to us when we are least expecting it. The second parable highlights the importance of searching in coming to know God. We can be and will be, surprised by grace, but also we are called to seek Him with all our heart and soul. Today, we are challenged to expend our energy and life on God.

May our lives today be filled with the compassion of our God and give us the spirit of forgiveness and a generous heart! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!