Treasure

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:44-52

Loving Creator you give us all good things

and teach us to love and for our neighbors

you have taught us to treasure our people

and the ways given us by our wise elders.

Too often, we are distracted by new things

objects and ways that are shiny and shallow

too often our heads are turned away from you

and caught up in the daily challenges of life.

You told stories to help us all find our way

to remind us of the treasures we have in you

our communities, our tribes, our families

are the riches we inherit as we follow you.

Help us to treasure the goodness you provide

to honor and cherish the wisdom given us

and help us to see you in our neighbors today

so that you love might flourish in our time. Amen.