SUMMUM BONUM

In the Gospel of Matthew (13:44-52), Jesus gives three parables that illustrate the Kingdom of God. They are the parable of the treasure buried in the field, the parable of fine pearls and the parable of the dragnet. They reveal that God is the highest, supreme good, the absolute treasure, the summum bonum. In the first parable, a man finds treasure buried in the field. The context here is that in those days, ordinary people did not have banks or insurance. The safest way was to hide their treasure under the ground. Only the rich had access to places where their possessions were secure. Why the treasure is hidden? Because the greatest things in life are never found on the surface. God’s presence is hidden in ordinary moments. What is essential is invisible to the eye. It is to find God in all things and all things in God. The first parable highlights the immense value of the kingdom. When we discover Jesus and His vision of life, everything else becomes secondary. In the second parable, a merchant was searching for fine pearls. It points to God who is the absolute treasure. It requires total dedication, commitment and perseverance. It is to put God above all else without hesitation. Only a free heart can truly love. St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you!” It is to order our lives and loves properly to the highest good. When God becomes first in our lives, everything else will follow. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and the rest will be given unto you!” (Mt 6:33) In the third parable, the dragnet is thrown into the sea and collects fish of every kind. It points to the Church who is both saint and sinner. Each one of us is a combination of wheat and weeds. We are and will always be a sinful Church. The role of the Church is to accept everyone and lead others to the treasure and pearl of great price. It is to point Jesus to others. It calls for a great measure of tolerance, patience, understanding and kindness. Therefore, the parables of Jesus call us to see with the eyes of God. It is to have the same mind and heart of Jesus. It is to have wisdom so that we are given the insight into what is truly important in life. Wisdom gives us the awareness of the meaning and purpose of living. It gives us an awareness of what really matters. And that is Jesus, the Wisdom in person, the supreme, highest good, the absolute summum bonum.