Hello friends,
This is Mark Gladman,
Also known as Brother Frederick James,
Your friendly neighbourhood monk in docks.
Welcome to another episode in our series of guided meditations,
Contemplating the parables that Jesus told.
So let's just still ourselves for a moment,
Allow ourselves to come fully into this present time together,
Taking a deep breath in and out,
Bringing our mind fully here,
Our body fully present,
Our heart fully quiet and expectant.
As we continue listening to the stories of Jesus,
Just allow yourself the openness and attention to the voice of the Spirit as we ponder them today.
Now this parable flows on from the one we did yesterday and in the text it comes straight after it,
In Matthew chapter 13 verses 45 and 46.
And again we hear of something valuable,
A pearl this time,
Often known as the pearl of great price.
But this time,
The person in the story doesn't stumble upon this pearl like they did with the treasure yesterday,
They're searching.
This is a merchant who spends his life looking for pearls,
Examining them,
Holding them up to the light,
Learning what is ordinary and what is rare.
And because he spent the time searching,
He recognizes the pearl he's looking for when he finally sees it.
Not every pearl is the same and this one,
Well this one stands apart.
And so perhaps this story invites us to consider what we're seeking,
What captures our attention,
What things we spend our time pursuing.
Because what we seek shapes what we recognize.
So as you listen today,
Notice gently what have you been seeking in your life and what among all the things you've seen has truly felt worthy of holding on to.
So let's begin just by listening to this parable,
Hearing the words that Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 13,
Verses 45 and 46.
Jesus said,
Again,
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.
On finding one pearl of great value,
He went and sold all that he had and bought it.
So as we sit in silence just for a moment,
Just let that image rest within you.
The merchant searching,
Holding that pearl in his hands,
Looking carefully,
Waiting,
And the recognition of how valuable it is.
And now listen to this parable again and as you listen,
Notice what word or phrase or image the spirit seems to be drawing your attention to.
Something that seems to really stick and stay with you.
Jesus said,
Again,
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.
On finding one pearl of great value,
He went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Now in the silence now,
Just sit with what caught your attention and return gently to that word,
That phrase,
Or that image and allow it to sit with you without trying to interpret it just yet.
Just let it sink deeply.
And now we'll listen one more time.
And as you listen,
Just notice where this story seems to intersect with your life right now.
What are you searching for?
What's drawn your attention again and again?
Jesus said,
Again,
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.
On finding one pearl of great value,
He went and sold all that he had and bought it.
So rest now in the stillness and quiet that follows and allow the image to deepen.
Searching,
Recognizing,
Choosing,
Trusting that what matters most can be seen when the heart learns to notice.
As we come to a close today,
A question.
What are you truly seeking,
My friend?
Now notice this is not what others want you to seek or what they expect you to seek or what everybody else is hoping that you'll seek so they can celebrate when you find it.
But what you seek deep down,
What feels worthy of your attention,
Your life to the point that you'd be willing to sell everything you own in order to acquire it if that's what it took.
And as you move into the rest of your day,
May you notice what holds lasting value.
May you recognize what's worth choosing and may grace,
Peace and love go with you,
Remain with you and stay with you today and every day.
Amen.
Until next time,
Friend,
Go gently and may God's grace and peace be with you.
Bye for now.
