This time of investigating the parables of Jesus has stretched me. Both Bill and I have mentioned previously holding the gospel of John at arms length because of how it has been (mis)interpreted by literalism. In no uncertain words, John Shelby Spong says none of it is literal. Words, pictures, parables are just fingers pointing at the moon. They are, however, conduits through which we can experience or engage with sacred mystery.

One distinction of “the pearl of great price” from the treasure hidden in the field is that the pearl is searched for, not stumbled upon. One interpretation is that the seeker is God and we are the pearl. What is it in you that wants to be found? As we reimagine God, can we also reimagine ourselves? How what the Hindus called the GodSelf can be extracted and revealed? Can we imagine that our pearl represents a capacity for healing, not just ourselves but the hurts of the world, too?

In Meister Eckhart’s Book of Secrets, this poem inspired us to pursue this parable:

The truth is all that matters, but it’s hid
deep in the darkness, a mystery so great
and sublime that no words can hold it.
so empty yourself of what you thought
you knew about it, and trust the silence
at the beginning and the end of thinking.
This is where God waits to find you,
the pearl of such great price that you
must forget what you know and sell
all you have to acquire it. Once you do,
it is all you need. Nothing else matters.

You are the pearl. This is where God waits to find you. it is up to us to allow ourselves, our authentic selves, to be found.

Thanks for listening!