First Reading - Exodus 34:29-35
Gospel - Matthew 13:44-46
In the first reading, we see Moses descending from Mount Sinai after speaking with the Lord. His face is shining with a brightness so overwhelming that he must veil it. The radiance is not something Moses creates — it is something he receives simply by being in God's presence. He does not even realize at first that his face is glowing. The transformation is a reflection of the intimacy he has shared with the Lord.
This is what happens when we truly dwell with God: we become changed. Prayer, worship, time with the Word — these are not passive religious duties. They are moments when we step into God’s light and begin to reflect His beauty, His truth, His love. We may not glow like Moses, but those around us begin to notice something different — a peace, a gentleness, a joy that comes from being with the Lord.
The Gospel brings this transformation into focus with two short parables. Jesus speaks of a man who finds treasure hidden in a field, and another who discovers a pearl of great price. In both cases, the discovery leads to joy — not burden. And this joy moves them to action: they go, sell everything they have, and purchase what they have found.
The point is clear: the kingdom of heaven is worth everything. When we truly encounter God — not just know about Him, but meet Him — we begin to see that no possession, no comfort, no worldly gain compares to the value of knowing and belonging to Him. The cost of discipleship no longer feels like loss — it becomes a joyful surrender.
Together, these readings invite us to consider:Have we truly encountered God in such a way that our lives radiate His presence? Do we live with the joy of those who have found the treasure and the pearl?
The temptation in the spiritual life is to become comfortable with surface-level faith — to go through motions without entering into the deep, transformative encounter that changes how we live. But Moses reminds us that true communion with God leaves a visible mark. And Jesus tells us that when we find the kingdom, it fills us with such joy that nothing else can compare.
Dear friends, let us not settle for veiled encounters or half-hearted searching. Let us climb the mountain like Moses, willing to dwell with God until we are changed. Let us search the field, examine the pearls, and when we find Christ — the true treasure — let us give Him everything.
For the kingdom is not a possession to be hoarded but a joy to be lived. And those who seek with open hearts will not only find — they will shine.
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