44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. (Matt 13:44-46)
A PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
Two years ago, in July 2021, one great news during the unsavory times of the pandemic and of oppressive governance was the Olympic gold medal winning lift by Hidilyn Diaz. She was the first person from the Philippines to win a gold medal since the country joined the Olympics in 1924. In the America Magazine, the Jesuit Review we read: “After winning the Philippines’ first Olympic gold, Hidilyn Diaz thanked God and raised up her Miraculous Medal.” In a statement, Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao congratulated Diaz on behalf of the Philippine bishops. He wrote: “Her victory was captured through many lenses, and in one of those photos was her holding the gold medal and wearing a Miraculous Medal of Our Lady on her chest. We admire her devotion to the Blessed Mother as she carried in her victory her great faith in God. Hidilyn is a true weightlifter who draws her strength from her love for the country and a deep Catholic faith.”
As I looked at various pictures and video clips in the internet, I came upon an interview of Hidilyn in 2008 when she was still a seventeen. Chino Trinidad did a short documentary of the young Olympian. Her words gave me goosebumps. She was a young woman of faith and put God as her inspiration. She said in English mixed with the vernacular: "Someday I will bear the flag of the Philippines as a weightlifter gold medalist in the Olympics.” Her words came true.
In 2008 she placed second to last in a field of 12; in 2012 she did not finish the event; in 2016 she won silver. Then in 2020, she struck gold. Like the merchant in the parable, she went and gave all she had. This was the pearl of great price.
Seek your buried treasures and pearls of great price!
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What is your buried treasure? What is the thing that you desire most in life?
2. What pearl of great price have you achieved in life? What have you given up in order to acquire it?
Lord, may I truly seek the things that matter.
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