Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
In praying with the readings today, the phrase that kept coming to mind was “that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” For Jeremiah, in today’s first reading, lemons seemed to be abound. Jeremiah found that being the Lord’s mouthpiece came with a cost. The decision Jeremiah had to discern and the one that is continually before us as well remains, “Are we willing to suffer the cost, or do whatever it takes to pay for the pearl of great price?”
The costs for Jeremiah seemed many. One of the costs he described was continuous pain. In another illustration, he described himself as a brook whose water abided the in a treacherous manner. Jeremiah also alludes to the bearing of the Lord’s name as an act that separates him from the crowd and leaves him feeling alone. He wonders why the cost is so high in contrast to the joy and happiness he first felt in discovering the Lord and bearing the Lord’s name. Indeed the pain has led him to wish he had not been born. Despite these hardships, the Lord tried to make clear to Jeremiah that these difficulties would not prevail if Jeremiah turned to the Lord. The Lord promised to stand with him so he could stand up against what seemed a prevailing tide. So too, the Lord’s promise is true for us! Yet how often does that promise seem small and incomplete because of a loneliness or pain that is overwhelming us? As I reflected on these words I recalled a time in my own life when my ability to recognize and understand the Lord “as treasure” was obstructed. At that time, I was strongly considering joining a religious order. I loved the prayer life and being part of a dedicated group of men for whom Mary was the model and foundation for their life of discipleship. The time I spent living in this faith-filled community of brothers has forever changed me yet at that time I lost sight of the Lord and the joy of faith. I could not see the Lord’s love because I was overwhelmed by loneliness. As I allowed the loneliness to become the treasure, I lost sight of my joy of the Lord and my love this community, so I moved out. It took time, but eventually I rediscovered the joy of faith and a community in which to live. This community, my family, is one of my great treasures. Yet reading the Gospel today leaves me wondering, “have I given my all for this treasure?” These are the questions we all need to answer. Consider what are the pearls of great price in your own life? Have you given all that you are and possess to be in complete communion with these treasures? Pray to the Holy Spirit to ask for the wisdom and understanding to recognize your treasures. Then ask the Lord to give you the strength and trust to give yourself completely for these “Pearls of Great Price!” -Michael Montgomery