There is Great Rejoicing Here

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

Today's Gospel passage presents us with two very familiar parables that involve searching, finding, rejoicing, selling and buying. In one instance, the treasure finds the seeker, and in the other the seeker finds the treasure. The one thing that is the same in each instance is the rejoicing. Discovering buried treasure or finding that which one is seeking is an occasion for rejoicing.

The baptismal ritual admonishes the parents and godparents of the child, or, in the case of an adult baptism, the one who is baptized in these words: "Keep this light burning in your hearts until you bring it to the judgment of the kingdom." The light of which the presider speaks is the light of faith, a treasure worth more than all the money in the world. Can we say that this light, this treasure engenders joy in our lives? Have we forgotten the rejoicing that comes with faith? "JOY is the most infallible sign of the presence of God." (Léon Bloy)