Attuning to Our Treasure (Lent 2016)

There was once a thief who used to hang around the precious stones district in the marketplace to see who was purchasing gems so that he could pickpocket them. One day, a well-known diamond merchant bought the largest, most beautiful stone, and the thief followed him onto a train. During their 3-day journey, the thief tried to pick the merchant’s pocket to obtain the diamond; yet, at the end of their journey, he hadn’t been able to find this rare, precious jewel.

Frustrated, he finally confronted the merchant and confessed, “I’ve used all the skills of my art. How did you hide it from me?”

“Well,” said the merchant, “I saw you watching and suspected your intention, so I hid the diamond in a place you’d be least likely to look … your own pocket!”

Now in our second week after Ash Wednesday this Lent, I've been ruminating on this little parable. The treasure we seek is closer than we might imagine. It’s not out there somewhere; it’s not based on outer circumstances; it’s not about looking for validation in someone else’s treasure:  It’s in the heart, in the core of our being, in the awareness of God’s presence, always there and available to us as God’s precious beloved.

“See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) 

As we continue further into the Lenten journey, we might ask ourselves: What am I ready to bring into fruition? How is my inner treasure going to come forth? How am I becoming more alive, awake, and attuned in my faith and spirituality?

Lent doesn't have to be all about dwelling on the weaknesses of our mortal condition, even though we do often fall short of our potential as God's beloved creatures. Rather, Lent can be an opportunity to open up more fully to the treasure of God's love in Jesus Christ, a love that is within and among us. May we find ways to explore new avenues of embodying this Divine treasure on our unfolding Lenten journey.

Grace and peace in Christ.