Today,
Matthew places two parables about the Kingdom of Heaven for us to
ponder over. The announcement of the Kingdom is of essence in Jesus'
preaching and in the hopes of the chosen people. But it is evident
the nature of this Kingdom is not understood by the majority. The
Sanhedrin who condemned him to death did not understand it, nor did
Pontius Pilate or Herod, and initially, not even his disciples
understood it. We can find only in the good thief, hung in a cross
along with him, the comprehension Jesus requests when he says:
«Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom» (Lk
23:42). Both had been accused as criminals and were about to die;
but, because of an unknown reason, the good thief recognizes Jesus as
the King of a Kingdom that will come after that terrible death. It
could only be a spiritual Kingdom.
In
his first preaching, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom as of a hidden
treasure, the finding of which causes the finder a great joy and
impels him to buy the field to be able to enjoy it forever: «and
so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to
buy that field» (Mt 13:44). But, at the same time, to
reach the Kingdom it is necessary to look for it with yearning and
effort, to the point of selling all one may have: «Once he has
found one of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he
has and buys it» (Mt 13:46). «What is He referring
to when He says seek and he who seeks, finds? I daresay He is
referring to the pearls and to the pearl, pearl that acquires he who
has given up everything and has accepted to lose everything»
(Origen).
The Kingdom is peace,
justice and liberty. To reach It is, at the same time, a gift from
God and a human responsibility. In front of the greatness of this
divine gift we realize the imperfection and instability of our own
efforts, quite often destroyed by our sins, our wars and our malice
that looks insurmountable. Nevertheless, we must have confidence,
because what looks impossible for man is more than possible for God.
