WHAT IS YOUR PEARL?

[1]If Aladdin loaned you his lamp, giving you just 1 wish, what would you ask for? You have 10 seconds to make up your mind… Times up! 

What did you ask for? According to some modern philosophers, whatever you picked was based on one of the four most basic human hungers—wealth, health, pleasure, or power. These they say, are what makes the world go round.[2]

The first book of Kings presents us with a somewhat similar scenario, but with the storied wisdom of young King Solomon on display. God “appeared to Solomon in a dream; and said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’” (1 Kgs 3:5) Because of Solomon’s love for God and his own profound humility, he proclaims himself God’s servant and requests, “an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” (1 Kgs 3:9) so I may serve God and the people of God. 

In response to this request, God granted Solomon “a wise and discerning mind” and two other things: “I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life” and “if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and commandments, then I will lengthen your life.” (1 Kgs 3:13-14)[3]

What did you ask for? Notice, Solomon didn’t ask to be smart, he asked to be wise. There is a big difference. Wisdom is more than intelligence; it goes much deeper. Some of the smartest people are not wise at all and many people with modest IQ’s have a real down-to-earth wisdom. 

Where can we obtain this wisdom? Some look for it in philosophy. If that’s too heavy for you, there’s always the library or bookstore that have selves full of self-help books. Or, we can listen to God’s own Word, best expressed in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Here’s where we find the clues to discover the pearls of wisdom for life. 

The fellow in today’s Gospel finds something of great value—that famous pearl, something that he desires above all other things—that he’s willing to let go of all he has to purchase it. Likewise, with the fellow who finds the treasure in the field, who sells all he has to buy the field. They know what’s important in their life and, moreover, they didn’t let anything get in the way of acquiring the object of their heart. 

So, the question to ponder becomes: What’s your pearl? Sometimes, when our lives are not ordered correctly, that pearl could be wealth, health, pleasure, or power. Other times, when they’re ordered a little better, the pearl is family, friends, or love. But the greatest pearl, the biggest treasure is God. It’s Jesus. It’s following “The Word” in our lives, in big & small ways. 

Of course, all this requires freedom—detachment or “indifference” as St. Ignatius would say—making sure nothing gets in the way of our walking in God’s ways, keeping God’s statutes and commandments. Because it’s not about what you do as much as it is for whom you do it.[4]

Like the greatest pearl and the biggest treasure, the Kingdom of God is worth giving up everything else to obtain. This invitation is open to everyone. The kingdom is a gift, but one that comes at a price. Those who understand are able to accept both the “new” teaching and way of living, as well as recognize it is a reflection of the “old” teaching of the law and the prophets.[5]

Jesus in asking his disciples, “Do you understand all these things?” (Mt 13:51) reinforces a point that disciples must ponder and study his teachings until they see how to put them into practice. This is why in the Rite of Baptism for Children parents are asked, “What do you want?” What do you want from the Church? After their response of Baptism there is an explanation of responsibilities, and another question, “Do you understand this responsibility?” Godparents and the community present are also asked, “Are you ready to help the parents in their duty?” To BE the example of Christian love so that the child will grow in the knowledge of Christian discipleship. 

Likewise, in the Sacraments of Initiation for adults, the catechumen is “instructed in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 13:52) so they may freely accept the gift of the kingdom, acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, embrace the charge of mission, and accept the cost of being Jesus’ disciple, to go forth, like their sponsors modeled and lived to get them to this moment. To BECOME the example of Christian love in the world. 

This week, ponder what you asked for with your 1 wish, then ask yourself, what is my pearl? If your pearl is truly Jesus and the Kingdom, then it’s worth giving up everything else to obtain it.

[1] New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition. © 1986. Scriptures: 1 Kings 3:5,7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52.
[2] Sundays with Jesus, by James DiGiacomo, SJ © 2007.
[3] The Word on the Street, by John W. Martens © 2016.
[4] Naked, and You Clothed Me, Edited by Deacon Jim Knipper © 2013. Ask something of me and I will give it to you, by Fr. James Martin, SJ.
[5] Living the Word, by John R. Barker OFM & Karla J. Bellinger © 2019.