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09/12/2004: "Pearl"

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Matthew 13:45-46


For a story that consists of two sentences, there's a lot to think about here. The merchant, one presumes, surrounds himself with pearls, all of which are valuable and pleasing and good. But then there's this one: exceptional, exceeding all others,indispensible. Apparently he doesn't even have to think, but does all that he finds necessary, however great a sacrifice, in the effort to acquire the pearl. Strangely, there is no particular implication that this is an "investment" upon which he expects a return; it seems as though he simply loves pearls and can't go on without having this one. I have seen my pearl of great price; why do I choose to give less than everything in order to have it?