The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field (Mathew 13:44). Jesus uses this simple parable to explain mystery of the Heavenly kingdom. In our race to amass wealth, fame and luxury, we often forget about the heavenly treasure and our entire life is spent on chasing the treasures of this world.

We see how Esau was ready to sell his birthright for some porridge (Gen 25: 30 – 34) and the Israelites reminiscing their time in Egypt eating meat (Exodus 16: 3) and the prodigal son who walked away from his father in search of the worldly pleasures (Lk 15: 12). In all these instances they were shortsighted and focused on what the world had to offer forgetting the treasure in store for them.

Mother Mary lived this parable in her life from the time she said ‘Yes’ to Angel Gabriel till she was assumed into heaven her eyes never wavered from the goal of attaining this treasure. Through her life Mother Mary teaches us not to focus on this transient world and all its traps but to walk in the way of the Lord and attain the kingdom of heaven.

In our constant strive to attain this treasure we will have to leave the many pleasures this world has to offer. It could be our sinful ways, our waywardly life, or constant need to amass everything money has to offer and take stock of our lives and like Mother Mary focus on the Kingdom of heaven and the many eternal riches it has to offer.

Fr. Prince Chakkalayil CST