14th Sunday Ordinary Time – Seeking & Finding

I was quite surprised to weigh the value of the verb, “to find,” heurisko.  It draws so many themes in Matthew together into a network that adds insight to this passage from Sunday’s gospel.

Matthew 11:29            Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle & humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Before launching into those passages, please interact with the question: What do you seek – relief or rest?  Seems to me I have sought and found temporary relief – distractions, eating, shopping, watching “NCIS” on Netflix – from fear and pain and insecurity.  I have even sought relief from guilt in Confession more than forgiveness.  You?

Rest means sabbath rest.  Stepping into the eternal now and settling in the divine mystery.  It seems to be ever to-be-desired and always available and worth everything…

Matthew 13:44–46           “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Matthew 7:7f            “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who seeks finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

And here’s the challenge to us regarding going deeper into discipleship: 

Matthew 7:13f            “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 10:38–40            and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.            (See also Matt. 16:24-26)

So, “Come to me, all who are weary of living in the shallows, weary of same-ol’-same-ol’, weary of relief, weary from distractions… Seek and you will find….”