When I was in high school, I volunteered for several years at a nursing home near my house. I helped lead a sing-along for the elderly residents there. The sing-along was split in half. The first half was devoted to popular music they might have enjoyed in their youth; I’m almost certainly rare as a 40-something guy to have – to this day – such an extensive knowledge of pop tunes of the 1920s and ’30s.
The last half of the sing-along was devoted to religious hymns and songs. (I wasn’t religious at the time, so it was probably my earliest continued exposure to Christian music.) Obviously people’s journeys through their twilight years are all unique, but one common thread I tended to notice is that some of the happiest people I encountered also seemed to be the most religious. There seemed to be a serenity that came from their faiths. I didn’t recognize it much at the time – I was too wrapped up with a life fueled by teenage pressures – but in hindsight, I can make the connection between that their love of God and their serenity.
The glow on the faces of those nursing-home residents was on my mind as I reflected on today’s readings. The first reading details the “radiant” glow that Moses’ face had after he had spoken to the LORD. This glow made the children of Israel afraid, so Moses wore a veil when he wasn’t speaking with God.
There’s something similar happening in today’s Gospel selection. These parables – where Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to a treasure in a field or a pearl of great price – are (depending on what your parish did) a repeat or excerpt of the Gospel selection we just heard on Sunday. So you may already have some thoughts about that.
For me, as I reflected about what was already on my mind (with the first reading and my experience at the retirement center), I realized a connection I hadn’t made before. Envision the life of someone who – like today’s parables – sold all their possessions to buy the treasure in the field, or the pearl of great price. No matter what, that person’s life was certainly going to be different! We obviously believe it will be for the better: The buyer now has a treasure of unimaginable value! But beyond that, the life the person knew before no longer exists, really. Any beloved childhood mementos? Any treasured articles of clothing? Any material possession that used to bring joy? All sold, for the treasure.
Sure, the treasure is a life-changing thing, and it will lead to greater happiness and an unimaginable life for the possessor. But still, to be able to give up everything in this world for that happiness . . . well, it’s certainly a lot to chew on.
God wants to transform our lives. He wants us to let go of the things we felt were important to recognize the true treasures we’re being offered. He wants us to “glow” with the certainty of knowing and loving Him.
And we’re not just talking material possessions. Fear, worry, doubt . . . we can, hopefully, give those up for God. I’m sad when I see so many people who claim to be Christian seem to be so gripped by fear and rage in their daily lives. Sure, I find the state of the world worrisome at times. But the world’s always been worrisome and dangerous to believers, to varying degrees; Jesus warned that it would be. I trust in God, His power, and His plan. God didn’t promise absolute safety, or Earthly comforts, or material wealth. He promised forgiveness, salvation, and the Kingdom of Heaven. If I’m afraid, is it because I don’t trust God’s power and promises? . . . And if so, am I really a believer? Have I really “sold all my possessions” — including those worldly fears that keep me tied to this world and away from God?
I don’t know if I have the glow of those elderly residents I had all the pleasure of knowing those many years ago. If I don’t, I hope I do someday. Giving up all your worldly goods and handing everything over to God can be tough, even if the rewards are unimaginably great. Seeing those elderly men and women who’ve put their trust and serenity in God’s hands has shown me the glowing faces of those who know what real treasure is.
Today’s readings: Ex 34:29-35; Ps 99:5,6,7,9; Mt 13:44-46
