Missio Dei

Share this post

Clutch Your Pearl

www.missiodeicatholic.org

Clutch Your Pearl

Gospel Reflection 6/21/2022

Jessica Tucker
Jun 21, 2022
12
1
Share
Share this post

Clutch Your Pearl

www.missiodeicatholic.org

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:6, 12-14)

As most Catholics will testify, following Jesus was not initially a conscious choice, but a calling from God. We were chosen as adopted sons and daughters, called by God, and given the grace to understand that Jesus is Lord. The free-will choice to follow this calling came after the initial grace. This pearl is not given to everyone, and some who receive this grace make the choice not to accept it. The realization of your adoption as a child of God should be a humbling thought. The grace was unwarranted and undeserved. Your free-will choice to follow God, once given this grace, should not be undervalued, either. This choice put you on the narrow road leading toward the narrow gate to life. You recognized the value of the pearl and committed yourself to walk a difficult path. There are many forks in this road, diversions, and snares. Sometimes the road is no wider than a hair’s breadth. You stumble often. Yet the difficulty of this road has a purpose. Attempting to remain in the narrow confines of holiness has, as its reward, eternal life in the presence of God. Traveling the narrow path opens up a wider future. It is humbling to think that you found this road when few others do the same, you were adopted and taken into God’s family despite being undeserving, and you chose to follow the path despite its difficulty. This pearl is priceless. Protect and honor it.

Copyright 2022 Jessica Tucker

12
1
Share
Share this post

Clutch Your Pearl

www.missiodeicatholic.org
1 Comment
author
Deacon Mark Mueller
Jun 21, 2022Author

Jessica, This reflection is a keeper for me. I put it in my notes in my Bible. I like the thought that the pearls are the grace given us and that when we choose to follow sin and the world, we are literally throwing that grace, that gift, away. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Reply
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Missio Dei
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing