Our Valuable Souls - Like Pearls

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Dear Friends, 
I am so grateful to see communities beginning to open up again. Yes, lots of precautions are in place, and that certainly makes sense. Please continue to take good care. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do, and when your community is ready for a Bible study, a small group meeting, or a worship service, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-45
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Meditation
A friend of mine recently posted on her FaceBook page that she had just walked by a shop and had seen a beautiful blue-green purse in the window.

​She went in, and found that the purse was big enough to hold her things, but not too big. It just seemed so perfect, so she bought it. She seems quite delighted with her purchase.​

Photo of a purse by Godisable Jacob from Pexels with color adjusted by SpiritCare

Most of us who enjoy shopping and looking at nice things probably have had moments like my friend experienced, so these two parables are fairly easy to relate to. We know the excitement of finding something we believe to be perfect, or as my mother would say, something that is " just the ticket!"
​
However, we must remember that these are parables. Jesus is not giving us instructions about shopping or buying real estate. I believe he is talking about the pearls of great price that are our souls. Jesus is encouraging us to get focused, and take note of what really is of value. He is also telling us to get rid of anything that is of lesser value. After all, what could possibly be of more value than our souls? What could possibly compare? 

He is also telling us that the kingdom is right here within us, and if we focus on discovering the kingdom within, we will find it.

It is not hidden, but sometimes it gets buried by our day to day concerns. Again, Jesus is saying pay attention.

​Make room for the Christ within, and spend time with the sacred indwelling of God. You, too, are a pearl of great price for you are a beloved child of God. Know that, and let all other descriptions and rubble go.

Prayer
Holy God, you who are closer to us than our own breath, forgive us when we become so distracted that we forget you. Forgive us when we forget ourselves, and when we forget that our souls are a sacred temple where we can meet you every day. Sometimes we treat ourselves rather shabbily, when we should be creating an inner temple worthy of your presence. Yet, you are always right with us, regardless. We thank you for your abiding presence. May we all come together, and begin creating a living temple of beauty and peace now. 
Amen   
 --
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com