WHITE HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT

St. Louis, MO 63129

1-800-643-1003

Jesuit retreat center high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO.  Since 1922, thousands of people from around the world make annual three-day silent, guided retreats here to relax, reconnect with God and strengthen their spirituality.  A true gem in the Midwest!  Call 314-416-6400 or 1-800-643-1003.  Email reservations@whretreat.org  7400 Christopher Rd.  St. Louis, MO 63129

Both men's and women's retreats are offered as well as recovery retreats.

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Weekend Reflections for 7/25/14

July 24, 2014  /  Joe Parisi

The pearl of great price

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. (Matthew 13:45-46)

Most often in commentaries on the Gospels this parable will have a heading like “keeping your priorities straight.” So often I turn this parable into a moralistic teaching about commitment, about giving up everything for the Kingdom.

Fine! But I wonder sometimes if there is not another way to read this parable — after all, many of the “kingdom” parables are also about the King.

I wonder… what if this parable is not about what I am supposed to do, but about what God does? What if the pearl is not the Kingdom but is me? I know it may sound egotistical, but then I remember: For God so loved the world that He gave “all that he has.”

Do you believe God sees something precious, lovable, valuable in you? Do you believe God loves you so much that He would give up everything, even what is dearest to Him for you, for me?

Let me end with another passage of Scripture which sounds not unlike this parable. This is from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 43..

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in return for you. Because you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you.