For several weeks we’ve been sorting things out at home, prior to moving. Its a long task as you can imagine. I’ve been at the Rectory for over twenty years and accumulated ‘a lot of stuff.’ And at church we have been sorting – sorting books donated for our bookroom and sorting items given for our Bakhita Project.
In among it all one suddenly finds a treasure – not of great worth so much as something which brings back memories, or something which is strikingly beautiful or different.
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. (Matthew 13.14)
Unexpectedly we come across treasure. Going about our day to day tasks we get a glimpse of something special, something which interests us, or inspires us. The Gospel calls us to hold on to those moments and value them.
Of course it may not be something physical we encounter. It may be an act of kindness, words which mean a lot to us, or a glimpse of beauty.
Look at the painting of the car boot sale. Where could treasure of God’s kingdom be there – in a random item discovered? In the friendly encounter with a stranger? In the smiles and encouragement? In the beauty of the scenery around?
To treasure such moments of discovery, to remember them, even to note them down, or to photograph them, is to build up God’s kingdom in our minds, hearts and lives.
The kingdom of God is among us.
St Chrysostom's Church News and Views 