Reflections on the Parable of the Treasure

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on the parable of “The Hidden Treasure in the Field” and “The Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:44–46), showing that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a precious treasure discovered by a person — sometimes without seeking, and sometimes after much effort and search. In both cases, whoever finds the true treasure rejoices and sells all he has to obtain it.

Main spiritual idea

1. Two types of seekers of the Kingdom:

   • Those who find Christ without seeking Him, like Saul of Tarsus, who met Christ on the road to Damascus.

   • Those who search diligently until they find, like Saint Augustine, who sought through intellect and culture until he found God.

2. The treasure has many meanings:
   It may symbolize the Kingdom, salvation, the Gospel, the knowledge of God, Christ Himself, or faith.

3. The treasure hidden in the field:
   Many look only at the surface — at worldly fruits or outward texts — without digging for the spiritual depth or divine meaning. The contemplative one digs into the “field” and finds the spiritual treasures in the Word of God.

4. The importance of contemplation and spiritual study:
   God reveals new meanings in prayer and Scripture to those who reflect deeply, as David said: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

5. Christ is the hidden treasure:
   Christ was hidden from many in the Old Testament, even from scribes and Pharisees. They did not perceive that the Light was among them. Knowing Him is knowing God Himself, which is the greatest treasure.

6. Selling all to gain the treasure:
   Whoever truly finds Christ leaves everything — desires, possessions, worldly glory — to gain this treasure. As Saint Paul said: “I count all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”

7. The joy of finding the treasure:
   Whoever finds God rejoices with joy beyond all earthly pleasures. As David said: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” It is the one precious pearl worth giving up all to possess.

Final message
The true treasure is not money or status but knowing, loving, and abiding in God. Whoever finds this treasure lives in constant delight with the Lord and experiences the Kingdom even now, not only in eternity.

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