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Thursday, August 03, 2006

Of hidden treasures and the Kingdom of Heaven

An interesting thought about the Gospel readings for today (link via Universalis), from the Lord's parables concerning the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-46):

Jesus said, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’

Yes, I'm still talking about the unity of the Church. Again, I believe that the fullness of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church does subsist in the Catholic Church in communion with the Successor of St. Peter. However, I still consider Christendom divided because there are Christians out there who are not in communion with the bishop of Rome. As the Kingdom of Heaven is like that hidden treasure that has been found, or the pearl of great price, I imagine Christendom as a row of neat and well-kept houses in the suburbs, basking in the sunshine with dwellers who live in peace and contentment. In each house is a household that is content with their own hidden treasure or the valuable pearl. Some of them often gaze at the neighboring houses, wondering why the neighbors are so absorbed in their own affairs when they do not have the great treasure, that valuable pearl, which no one else has except them. Others gaze infrequently and do not wonder, being extremely wise (so they believe) in knowing (so they think) that each household owns a valuable pearl of equal value with those of their neighbors.

Something is wrong with both pictures, no?

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