Jim Van Vurst, OFM

Jesus is the Father’s perfect image of a shepherd who actually laid down his life for his sheep. A person’s true value rests not on any external thing, but on his or her realizing that God made us all in his image and likeness.

Jesus bluntly stated what it meant to be a true disciple. It meant being willing to suffer for the truths of the gospel that Jesus was preaching. It wasn’t just a matter of self-denial. It could reach the point where one would really have to suffer for being a believer.

There are those in the world who seem to be weak and abused and yet are like granite and faithful in the midst of suffering. Others who parade around with external power and fame are often frail and weak in their hearts and in their disregard for those they rule and abuse.

Jesus describes “the kingdom of God” as a net thrown into the sea. And as expected, the net catches all kinds of fish that eventually need to be sorted out. But in the end all will be judged.

In today’s Gospel we’re given another image of the “kingdom of heaven.” Jesus speaks of a treasure buried in a field, but it is discovered by chance. This is Jesus’ way of saying that for those who believe, the gift of faith is far more valuable than any earthly or material treasure.

It’s probably not difficult to recall times in our life’s journey when we were “lost and wayward.” We really needed to be found again through God’s love and care for us. Then too, we may have been helpful to others when the Lord used us as his shepherd.

We may not always be conscious of God’s presence as our fears take over, but there is no doubt that God is always with us in all the situations that we face.