In 1883, the Scottish author Robert Lewis Stevenson wrote the classic novel, “Treasure Island.” Walt Disney made a film based on the novel in 1950 which later became the inspiration for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride in his new theme park in Anaheim, CA. Later, the ride became the inspiration for the film franchise of the same name.
The allure of buried treasure has always captivated the imagination, apparently even as far back as the first century. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells three parables beginning with the treasure in the field. The other two parables are also very illuminating. Jesus is using very earthy examples to make a spiritual point.
There are times when we make a discovery that is life changing. Just like the treasure in the field or the pearl of great price, its presence cannot be ignored. It changes everything—all of our priorities, all of our motivations, even our relationships.
I’ve noticed that is very much the case as I have walked beside people in their conversions. For many, life was devoid of meaning. They were just foundering along, wondering what the point was. They had tried many things, even weird, funky spiritual things, but when they discovered the truth of the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins in Christ and his Church, it changed everything. None of that other stuff mattered. They had found their treasure in the field, they had found their pearl of great price.
As a parish, our task is to help set the environment where others can encounter the Risen Christ and find their buried treasure or their pearl of great price. This is not something that happens overnight. Depending on where they are spiritually it may take months or years. That’s okay. Nothing this meaningful happens overnight.
Let us pray that our life and witness as a parish will help others to embrace the Good News and so enter in the joys of life in Christ.