The parable of the hidden treasure is one of the shortest and simplest stories that Jesus told to illustrate the value of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
What can we learn from this parable?
Here are some possible lessons:
- The kingdom of heaven is hidden from the eyes of the world. The treasure was not visible or obvious to anyone who passed by the field. It required a diligent search and a discovery. Similarly, the kingdom of heaven is not something that can be seen or grasped by human wisdom or power. It is a mystery that can only be revealed by God’s grace and Spirit. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:25, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
- The kingdom of heaven is worth everything we have. The man who found the treasure was so overjoyed that he sold all his possessions to buy the field. He did not hesitate or bargain or regret his decision. He knew that the treasure was more valuable than anything else he owned or could ever own. Likewise, the kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything this world can offer us. It is worth giving up our sins, our attachments, our comforts, our ambitions, our pride, our self-will, and even our lives if necessary. As Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
- The kingdom of heaven is a source of joy and peace. The man who bought the field did not do so out of fear or obligation or duty. He did so out of joy. He was happy to give up everything for the sake of the treasure. He knew that he had found something that would satisfy his deepest desires and needs. Similarly, the kingdom of heaven is not a burden or a restriction, or a punishment. It is a gift and a blessing and a reward. It is a state of being where we experience God’s love, presence, and power in our lives. It is where we find true happiness and peace that surpasses all understanding.
The Blessed Sacrament
One way to relate this parable to the treasure of the Blessed Sacrament is to see how Jesus himself is the hidden treasure in the field of the world. He came to earth as a humble and lowly man, born in a manger, living as a carpenter, and dying on a cross. He was not recognized or accepted by many people, even His own people. He was hidden from the eyes of those who did not have faith or love for Him.
But for those who do have faith and love for Him, He reveals Himself as the greatest treasure of all. He gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, where He is truly present under the appearances of bread and wine. He invites us to come to Him, to receive Him, to adore Him, to unite with Him. He offers us His body and blood, His soul and divinity, His grace and mercy, His life and glory.
He asks us to give up everything for Him, to follow Him, and to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He promises us that if we do so, we will find joy and peace in this life and eternal life in the next.
He is the treasure hidden in the field. He is the pearl of great price. He is the kingdom of heaven.
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