It was the summer of 1973. I had just received my BFA degree, and I headed west to the Rosebud Reservation. It is the home of the Indigenous Brule/Lakota People in South Dakota. I will teach Art at St. Francis Indian School, Sciangu Oyte Ho, Inc. Having already been there three previous summers, I was excited to actually stay for a while to become more involved and integrated into the life and culture of a people I grew to love, and still do.

This time, I would live in a house that would provide a homey setting for some high school girls along with another sister from a different community. It became a difficult situation as we, (the sister and I) had differing opinions and ways to “run” the household regarding rules and regulations. My room in a rather unfinished basement was my refuge. I recall crying, begging God to help me make sense of what I was doing there. As Psalm 97 prays, Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. Let your compassion come to me that I may live…,

I opened scripture to what is today’s first reading and also Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. In that I found peace and direction not only for that moment, but for years ahead, a lifetime in ministry.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation when you just begged God for clarity?

Life can be like a fisherman who throws a net into the sea and retrieves all kinds of things besides the good fish. It is for us to sort, discern and figure out the mess with God’s help.

With faith in the Word of God, We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

I have had a rich life of listening to the Spirit and moving from ministry to ministry, as an itinerant Franciscan while seeking the treasure that I would give everything to hold. I did find a treasure in a field. Rather symbolic. It was an eagle feather! I still have this feather for 50+ years now. Have you ever found something that is symbolic of your love and life? Perhaps a ring, a pearl, or a simple shell washed up on shore?

The treasure, the Love that one holds, is one we are to let go of and give only to have it returned a hundred fold! The whole field, a string of pearls, a beach filled with gifts from the sea are given in return.  

Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel we hear, Where your treasure lies, there will your heart also be. Look deep into your heart and there you will find the Kingdom of God. There you find Jesus who reigns and knows your deepest desires, with the treasures that are so precious to sustain you for a lifetime.

Fill in the blanks! No wrong answers!
My treasure is____________________________________!

The Kingdom of Heaven is like_______________________!