The Priceless Treasure: A Journey of Gratitude

I had the privilege of celebrating my 31st  anniversary of ordination on July 22nd, and I am very grateful to all of you for the prayers, love and support.

In this Sunday’s gospel text Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price, and that   finding it brings such profound joy that one gladly gives up everything else to possess it.

This parable reminds me of St. Mary Magdalene, on whose feast day I was ordained.  She searched for a cure for her ailment; Jesus delivered her from seven demons.  But what Mary found was far more than    healing of body and soul.  She found Jesus Himself, the Savior of the world. He completely transformed her life.  Her encounter with Him redefined her identity.  She joyfully became His disciple, and traveled with Him and the apostles, financially supporting His ministry.  She was a devoted follower who stayed with Him through the crucifixion and was the first to see Him after His resurrection. Jesus was her    everything - her treasure indeed!
Like Mary Magdalene, let us boldly acknowledge Jesus as our greatest treasure. May His love keep us steady and guide everything we do. May we imitate her by continuing to support the church and the    proclamation of the kingdom of God, not out of a sense of obligation, but in gratitude for the graces we have received.

I try to imitate Mary Magdalene in search of the hidden treasure in my daily priestly life. I experience the treasure in my personal prayer, in our common celebrations, our shared faith, and in our fellowship with each other in the parish. The treasure is alive in our midst!

While Jesus Himself is our ultimate treasure, we can be a “treasure” to one another by treating people with the same care, kindness, and grace that God shows us every single day.  So, you are the treasure and fine pearl I have found in my ministry. It is a great blessing to serve you!
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 Thank you and have a grace-filled week!

​Fr. Nick Apetorgbor