What Do You Seek To Become Radiant?

Exodus 34:29-35
Matthew 13:44-46

When we are aglow with love, we do things that under other circumstances would be impractical or even impossible, things considered sacrificial. In today’s first reading from Exodus, we hear that Moses’ face became radiant “when he conversed with the Lord.” Moses was face-to-face with God. Yes, Our God is all holy, all powerful and all knowing. His fullness of Godhead is our unfailing inexhaustible treasure-house. He makes the unsullied garment of life our covering beauty. Therefore, to be sanctified and made holy must be our aim so that as a mirror reflects an image so we must be seen from that perspective reflecting the Heavenly Father’s attributes; His holiness, His love, His compassion, His mercy, and every perfection He has fashioned.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus relates two parables that speak about the superior value of being part of the Kingdom of heaven. The first is the parable of the 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 just to keep the treasure safe whereas the second is the parable of 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. In both cases the individuals involved left everything they have and sought the kingdom of heaven. It was an easy decision for them to make because each saw the hidden radiance of God’s kingdom.

The attractions of this material world constantly present itself as the access to our happiness. We pursue it even at the cost of our honour and dignity and as soon as we catch up with it, we find out that happiness does not reside there. We end up still looking for that fleeting joy and satisfaction in life. The greatest mistake of all is to equate our joy and satisfaction with the material things of this world. True joy, satisfaction and peace of mind can only be found in God. What are you willing to give up so that you’ll find God? Am I truly showing that I am part of His kingdom? What do I need to let go of, in order to live more joyfully and wholeheartedly?Moses risked his life, endured long periods away from his family, and was often misunderstood by his own people—all for the sake of his relationship with Yahweh God. We too must be ready to let go of everything for the sake of the relationship that is valued above all else.

Fr Joseph Osho