I was recently reminded of Bishop Crosby’s homily of the pearl of great price. He had mentioned that many people – upon hearing this parable – begin to relate the pearl to the people or items in which they find are most precious in their lives. However, the pearl, in fact, is actually the Holy Spirit. He had said that very few people know the price of this “pearl”, but when they see it as the Holy Spirit, they know It for Its value, and they give everything to attain it. But I found myself asking, What happens after?
Once the pearl has been purchased after having given everything, what is left? When something is so precious and so expensive, the tendency is to really hold onto that item and keep it as close to us as possible. We are called to embrace the Holy Spirit, and allow it to dwell in our hearts; to embed the pearl as it is embedded in an oyster. And as we carry something so precious in us, we must also be ready to bear the journey of the pearl in our lives.
In the same way a pearl forms and grows in an oyster by the secretion of a protective fluid upon the entrance of “intruders” (such as sand or foreign particles), we must prepare a journey where “intruders” will come in and set hardships or challenges in our paths, which will attempt to disturb our precious pearl’s dwelling place. But in these moments, I believe that there are fruits of being able to turn to the Lord and allow Him to be the protective fluid to protect us from those “intruders”. But it takes the consciousness of being able to recognize and accept that we need His help and guidance. Upon doing so, the layers of this fluid will set its foundation more and more, allowing the pearl – the Holy Spirit – to grow larger in our hearts each time. Therefore, the more we journey with the Lord, the more we embody His Spirit, and the more we are able to truly bring His Presence and Love to others.
“I know, my God, that thou triest the heart,
and hast pleasure in uprightness;
in the uprightness of my heart
I have freely offered all these things,
and now I have seen thy people,
who are present here,
offering freely and joyously to thee.
O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers,
keep for ever such purposes
and thoughts in the hearts of thy people,
and direct their hearts towards thee.”
(1 Chronicles 29: 17-18)
AMEN.
TOTUS TUUS.