July 24, 2005

A Pearl of Great Price Jesus said to his disciples: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."
The first thing that comes to mind upon reading the Gospel this morning is an introductory talk about contemplation by Father John Main. My understanding is that the experience of contemplation is likened to finding a pearl of great price. It is a treasured act of meditation that brings the immediacy of the presence of God into the moment. It is a prayer that is wordless except for the beginning mantra. The rewards of this daily act of faith are boundless. It truly is a treasure to sell all for. Meditation that is Christ centered is at the core of my entire faith experience and daily way of life.