Gospel: (Matthew 13: 44-52) 

Jesus said to his disciples: “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.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.  When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all he has and buys it…” 

Reflection: 

The demand of daily Christian living is to spend our life primarily searching for the kingdom of God.  In the Gospel, first the person who finds the buried treasure in a field comes upon it by happenstance; the find just happens without effort; it is pure gift.  The role of discipleship is to become aware of the treasure when it is found.  Second, the merchant knows his or her business and recognizes the prized pearl when it is found.  The role of discipleship here is to be diligent in the search, not become discouraged and give up,  seek until the “pearl of great price” is found. (Living Liturgy, p. 204)

Vincentian Meditation: 

“To be servants of the poor…O Mon Dieu! What a lovely title and what a beautiful description! Servants of the poor, that is just the same as to say  Servants of Jesus Christ, for He regards as done to Himself what is done to them, and they are His members.   And what did He do whilst on earth, but serve the poor?”–St. Vincent de Paul- (McKenna, Praying with Vincent, p.42)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence.) 

To hear the call to serve the  poor is like finding the “treasure in the field” or “the pearl of great price”.  How did you join the Society-by searching or did someone invite you?       

Closing Prayer: 

Loving God, thank you for grace of finding the “pearl of great price, in the poor,

-may we serve you in the most destitute.

In every age you call new disciples to follow Christ,

-lead men and women to serve the poor within the Society.

Give us strength to stand in solidarity with those who suffer,

-may our hearts be filled with compassion and love.

            Give us the grace to be true “Servants of the Poor”,

–Servants of Jesus Christ.  Amen