Today’s Gospel from Matthew likens the kingdom of heaven a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price. In the parable, gaining the hidden treasure and the pearl required great sacrifice and investment of the person and the merchant. Matthew tells us the person buying the field with hidden treasure does that out of joy. The kingdom of heaven is there. We have a map to find the treasure. Too often, we hesitate to follow that path. And why? Our investment in that hidden treasure, in the pearl of great price will bring us riches beyond measure. We hesitate and look for an easier path. Do I have to really sell all that I have? Can I hang on to some piece, something that gives me comfort in the short term? The answer, of course, is no. I likely will keep asking that question with my deeds and actions. I want to keep doing what I’m doing. My heart knows the way, but I often stumble.

The good news: The path to the kingdom of heaven is there. Jesus has shown us the way with the ultimate sacrifice. I need to work at doing the right and good things for my neighbors and for God. Shortcuts aren’t going to work. I just need to keep following the map, knowing I will stray and stumble. God is with me on the journey. I pray that I am attentive to my heart, to overcome the obstacles I put in my own way when I am selfish or unkind. When I ignore others, when I less than honest with myself.

Today I pray for the courage to continue to work toward the kingdom of heaven. I pray for patience with others and with myself. I pray for eyes to see and ears to listen to those people in my life. I pray to be open to the joy on the journey to the kingdom of heaven.