Let’s take a look at these familiar Gospel parables in a different light. We are accustomed to seeing ourselves as the merchant in search of fine pearls or the man who finds a treasure in the field. But can we really possess the Almighty? Isn’t it rather he who possesses us?

What if Jesus were the merchant or the treasure-seeker? What if he were the one who gave up everything to have us? We may feel a bit uncomfortable comparing ourselves to a treasure and a pearl, but it does show us how precious we are to Jesus. When he looks at us, he sees beyond our sins and failings. He knows that we need a radical cleanup, but he’s undaunted by the task. After all, he shed his blood for us!

However, the metaphor falls short in one important detail. Pearls are passive in the jeweler’s hand. Human beings are free. We can choose to cooperate with him or to resist his work. Seldom are we totally yielded or totally resistant. We let him work with us for a while, then we think we can do it better without his help. Jesus patiently respects our freedom and welcomes us back again and again. Rather than insisting on a predetermined plan, he lets us work actively with him to build his kingdom in our hearts and in our world.

The parable of the dragnet tells us that all human beings are called to the kingdom, but that not all will find eternal life. Even church membership is no guarantee of holiness. We shouldn’t be disillusioned to find other sinners—sinners just like us—in the church, and neither should we be too quick to judge. God is perfectly capable of sorting it all out. In the meantime, we should imitate Jesus in seeing the potential pearl in each child of God and encouraging him to cooperate with Jesus in his desire to clean us all up and let us shine. So let’s all place ourselves in the Jeweler’s hand.

“Thank you, Jesus, for looking at each of us with love. You have called us, chosen us, forgiven us, nurtured us, and equipped us to build your kingdom. And in response, we say ‘yes’ to you.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. Solomon could have anything he wanted from God, but chose an “understanding heart to judge” and the ability “to distinguish right from wrong.” All of us spend a lot of time judging the hearts of others and making decisions about what is right and wrong. What can you do this week to allow your judgments and decisions to be guided more by the Holy Spirit than by your likes and desires?
   
    
2. The responsorial psalm says, “Lord, I love your commands.” Why should we love the Lord’s commands, even when they are often hard to keep?
   
    
3. What are the circumstances or situations in your life that can make it difficult to follow the Lord ’s commands?
   
    
4. St. Paul says, “all things work for good for those who love God.” But how often we rail against our fate instead of counting on the Lord’s love for us? Can you share a difficult time when the Lord worked good for you despite your hurts, fears or anxieties?
   
    
5. In the Gospel today, we read of the merchant who sells everything to acquire a valuable treasure. How much do you “value” your relationship with Jesus? What additional steps are you willing to take to deepen this relationship? How can the men in your group help you and support you?
   
    
6. Today’s meditation turns the Gospel parable around and has us imagine how valuable we are to Jesus. He literally gave all that he had when he shed his blood for us. What is your response to this truth? How do you think you should respond?
   
    
7. In what ways has God called you, chosen you, forgiven you, nurtured you, and equipped you to build his kingdom? Again, how can you better respond to this call, individually, and as a group of men together?