Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven

瑪竇福音 13:44-46

這兩個關於天國的比喻其實非常相似，都是比喻天國為一個極珍貴的東西，找到的人都願意賣掉自己所有的一切，為擁有這珍寶。

第一個比喻中，人意外找到藏在地裏的寶貝，就如很多人在生活中，並未有刻意尋求，但耶穌卻進入他的生活，並透過這個相遇，把這個人的生命完全改變。

第二個比喻中，商人一直在尋找完美的珍珠，就如不少人內心都有個渴求，渴望更美善、更有價值的事物，這可以是真理、人生的意義，甚至他可能還不知道這完美的珍珠是甚麼，只是現世的事物不能滿足他。當終於找著，他會知道，並放棄一切，為得到它。

雖然兩者的出發點不一樣，但重要的是，為得到這瑰寶，人需要賣掉他所有的一切。耶穌要我們知道，進入天國是有代價。雖然天主的救恩是白白施予，但也要我們願意接納天主的改造，棄絕舊惡，重新做人。正如耶穌所說：「你們悔改吧! 因為天國臨近了。」

耶穌帶我們進入天國，踏進永恆的生命，沒有比這更重要的，你願意為此放棄一切嗎？

Matthew 13:44-46

These two parables are pretty similar. They both described the kingdom of heaven as something very precious, and those who found it are willing to sell all their properties to buy this treasure.

In the first parable, the treasure hidden in the field was accidentally found. Just like many people who were not actively searching in life, yet Jesus enters into their lives, converted their hearts, and turned their lives around.

In the second parable, the merchant was actively seeking for fine pearls. It is like many people who have an inner desire to seek something better in life, whether it is the thirst for God's presence, truth, justice, or the meaning of life. He may not even know what it is that he is searching; it's just that he is not satisfied by things in this world. When he finally found it, he would know, and he'd give up everything just to obtain it.

While the intentions might be different, it is important to note that people who found this treasure have to give up everything they had to secure it. Therefore it is a hint to us, that there is a price to pay to enter the kingdom of heaven. Although the gift of salvation is freely given to us, God needs our cooperation to accept it, to let go of our sinful lives, and be transformed by His grace. As Jesus said: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Jesus is showing us the way into the kingdom of heaven, to have eternal life; nothing is more important than that. Are you willing to give up everything for it?