Pearl of Great Price

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’ – Matthew 13:45

In the university where I studied, there was a chapel called ‘Pearl of Great Price’.  It was a small, simple chapel. It wasn’t in the main campus building, nor was it along the main campus walk. Instead, it was tucked away in a quiet corner of the campus. If you were in such a hurry to get to your next class, or even to the library, you’d miss it completely. But, if you were to slow down, took a breath, and looked around, you’d find it inviting and welcoming you in completely.

Sitting inside, you’d feel completely detached from the busyness of the campus: away from all the students and teachers, away from all the goings-on of school activities, away from the hurried life of university.  It was like an oasis in the middle of a hard desert; a place that restores calm, brings things back into perspective, and offers genuine rest from the daily strain we all carry.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than any treasure or precious object we might chase. The merchant finds a pearl of great value and joyfully sold all he had, knowing he was trading what is lesser for something infinitely greater. 

Remembering that little Chapel of the Pearl of Great Price, I’m reminded that our Lord is found in quiet, hidden places – especially in prayer, in the Eucharist, in the stillness of the heart, and in the ordinary moments where grace draws us back to Him. Like the merchant in the Gospel, may we learn to let go of whatever blocks us from loving God with all our hearts. With humility and generosity, may we strive to seek the Kingdom of God, trusting that in choosing Christ above all else, we do not lose what is truly good—we receive the One who is our greatest treasure.

Randy Reyes