Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of
exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.

Reflection:

The two little parables seem identical, but they are not! In the first, the Kingdom is compared to the treasure that
we chance upon. The one who finds it is not necessarily seeking for it, for he happens to stumble upon it. That is
Grace working! In the second parable, we mistakenly compare the Kingdom to the pearl; but no, read again: The
Kingdom is compared to the trader. He is actively searching for the finest pearls; once he finds them, he sells everything
he has to buy them! God in Christ is the trader, who is actively searching for the finest pearl—you and me; and upon
finding us, he goes and sells all that he has, including his very life (cf. Phil. 2:5-11), to make us his own! If we find God
by sheer Grace (first parable), God finds usat great cost to Himself (second parable). Can there be a greater Good News?

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