The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflected on the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44–46), explaining that both symbolize the value of the Kingdom of Heaven and the knowledge of God. Christ likened the Kingdom to a great treasure or a precious pearl, showing that union with God is worth more than all worldly possessions.

Two Types of Seekers

The Pope explained that there are two kinds of people:

1. Those who find the treasure without seeking, like Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul), who met Christ unexpectedly while persecuting the Church.

2. Those who find it through effort and searching, like St. Augustine, who sought truth through philosophy and study, and St. Moses the Black, who labored in repentance.
   Both found the treasure, rejoiced, and sold all to possess it.

What Is the Treasure?

The treasure can represent:

• The Kingdom of Heaven, salvation, faith, or the knowledge of God;

• Or Christ Himself, the “pearl of great price.”
  The field where the treasure was hidden represents the Holy Bible or the Church, in which divine truths lie hidden beneath simple appearances.

The Hidden Treasure in Scripture

The Pope compared superficial Bible readers to those who see only the surface of a field but ignore the treasure buried within. Those who meditate deeply discover new meanings through divine enlightenment. As David prayed: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

The Treasure Is Christ Himself

Christ was the hidden treasure in the Old Testament, foretold in symbols and prophecies, revealed fully after His resurrection when He opened His disciples’ minds to understand the Scriptures. Even the Pharisees did not recognize Him. This treasure remained hidden from the pagan world until the light of Christ shone upon it.

Selling All to Possess the Treasure

Whoever finds the true treasure must sell all — that is, renounce earthly desires — to gain Christ. St. Anthony sold all he had to live in solitude, and St. Paul said: “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.”

Joy in the Treasure

Joy marks the one who has found God. Like David who said: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Love for God becomes the single pearl worth leaving everything for.

The Spiritual Lesson

The parable calls us to seek spiritual depth rather than appearances, to forsake all that hinders us from God, and to treasure above all the knowledge of Christ — the true and eternal treasure. Whoever finds this treasure desires nothing but God Himself.

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