In this weekend’s Gospel Jesus wraps up his messages from the last several weeks of using parables. He praises those “wise men and women” who have listened carefully, understood, and responded to his message. This week, He gives us a “triple play” of messages as He tries to describe what “the Kingdom of God” is about. Jesus teaches that God’s kingdom is like a hidden treasure, a beautiful pearl, or a net cast into the sea. What??? The bottom line is that the Kingdom of heaven is something of extraordinary value (like a hidden treasure or costly pearl) and that its possession calls for total commitment to being a disciple (like throwing the whole net into the sea). The “kingdom of God” is basically God’s reign in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes, in our society, and in our world. Only those of us who long for it…and work for it…and cast our lives into pursuing it…will be rewarded with it. If we are honest, we all would have to admit that we spend too much of our time in life chasing false treasures such as money, status or pleasure. And consequently, the really valuable pearl of sharing in God’s life here on earth and later in heaven is never found or put on the back burner. So…how can we get on the case and start working toward building God’s Kingdom right here on earth? Here’s a few hints…fight against discrimination…trust completely in God…be selfless rather than selfish…let love overcome hate/apathy, faith overcome giving up…be humble…give service to others, etc. etc. etc. You can make a list! Think about it when we are doing the will of God as it is done in heaven, then we are already living in the kingdom of heaven while we are still on earth. Isn’t that a comforting thought! A story is told of a wealthy socialite who traveled to Europe with several friends. Her husband stayed home and played the stock market. While in Paris she found a fur coat that was the most beautiful she had ever seen. She sent a telegram to her husband that said, "Have found the perfect coat for only $50,000. What do you think?" He responded immediately with a telegram saying, "No, price too high." Imagine his surprise when she returned home with that $50,000 coat. The angry husband said, "Didn't you get my telegram?" "Yes," she said, "and here it is." The husband looked at that telegram which said, without punctuation, "NO PRICE TOO HIGH." He forgot to put a comma after NO. That's the way it is with life in the Kingdom. When through Jesus you catch a glimpse of how wonderful life is in the Kingdom, no price is too high to pay for it. GOSPEL QUESTION FOR THE WEEK: What/who is the “pearl of great price in your life?