Homily for the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Sometimes, we unexpectedly come across something valuable, even when not actively searching for it. Sometimes, a precious gift or a significant person can enter our lives without us trying to make it happen. It could be a sudden realization or insight that comes to us when we are relaxing and not thinking about anything specific.

In the first parable from today's Gospel, a day laborer discovers a treasure while working in someone else's field. He decides to sell all he has to purchase that field and obtain the unexpected treasure.

In the second parable, a wealthy merchant searches for the finest pearl and eventually finds it. He is willing to sell everything he has to acquire it.

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to these two human experiences. Sometimes, God blesses us when we least expect it. Other times, we have to actively seek God and put effort into finding Him. Jesus encourages us to persist in our search, to keep seeking, asking, and knocking, like the wealthy merchant. When God graces us, we must be ready to give up whatever is necessary to receive and hold onto that gift of the kingdom.