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Parables: What are the hidden treasure and the field?

Parables: What are the hidden treasure and the field?

Parables: What are the hidden treasure and the field?

Parable of the hidden treasure by Rembrandt. Wikimedia Commons

Msgr. Charles PopeQuestion: In the Gospel of Matthew, there is a story of a man who discovers a concealed treasure lying in a field (cf. Mt 13:44). What does this treasure symbolize, and where exactly is the field located? It’s one of those parables that I find somewhat perplexing.

— Jonathan Marcus, Washington, D.C.

Answer: We frequently prefer to perceive parables as concise tales that convey a specific message. However, in reality, similar to any narrative, they function more like puzzles or comparisons that permit various interpretations. Jesus would frequently elaborate on the parables extensively to his disciples “in the house” — for instance, Peter’s residence. In this instance, we lack a complete revelation of Jesus’ explanation of the parable. Therefore, akin to any narrative, we should permit it to signify multiple things. For this response, I will focus on one particular interpretation.

The domain where an individual uncovers hidden treasure is the heart. And the individual who identifies this treasure is the one who understands that he possesses an unlimited yearning that a limited world can never fulfill. Thus, he dedicates his entire existence to that which can solely bring fulfillment: the Lord. All aspects of life are aligned towards this singular purpose, which is to know the Lord, who alone can meet the heart’s boundless desire. Yet, as you ponder, why is the treasure concealed, and what implications does this hold for us?

To state that the treasure, a representation of the kingdom of heaven, is concealed suggests that the blessings and magnificence that God has in store for us are beyond our comprehension. The Bible communicates, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9)

Indeed, what God has in store for us are indescribable joys and unexpressed glories; a Kingdom, a realm and perspective so marvelous that it is beyond our current comprehension. Oh, the splendor of what lies ahead, the elevations and expanses of it, and the bliss of witnessing the lovely, magnificent, and awe-inspiring countenance of God, who has created us for Himself. We possess an endless yearning in our souls that this world can never fulfill, regardless of how extensive its provisions may be.

However, a lot of this remains concealed from our sight, from our comprehension. This concealed aspect of the kingdom of heaven, akin to a hidden treasure, is also what frequently hinders us in our quest for it. There’s an age-old adage, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” This implies that a joy that is accessible to me at this moment is considered more fulfilling than a potential joy, even if it far surpasses what I currently possess. The baubles of the world that we encounter now easily captivate us, leading us to overlook a future greatness that we cannot perceive, and we must place our trust in God that it is ours if we remain steadfast.

Indeed, we should place our trust in God who promises us unimaginable joys and unspoken glories. The treasure lies concealed in the field of our hearts, and we must dedicate our hearts completely to God, the only one who can fulfill our deepest longings.

There exists a single answer. We must kneel and implore the Lord for a renewed heart and mind. God has vowed to grant this if we sincerely request it.

Therefore, we ought to pray:

Heavenly Father, I cherish you, though perhaps not sufficiently. Amplify my affection for you. I often find myself longing for worldly possessions more than what you provide. I crave items that I recognize are detrimental to me in excess, yet I fail to yearn for what I know is beneficial. My heart is out of order, and I am unable to remedy it alone. Please, through your love, work on my spirit. My existence hardly mirrors that of the one who discovered a hidden treasure and traded everything for it. Only you have the power to make this transformation happen. I grant you the freedom to act. I request that your approach be gentle, as I am frail and can manage only so much. But, Lord, kindly do what is necessary in the manner that you choose. All I seek is your grace and compassion.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.

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