July 2013
Pope's Intentions
World Youth Day. That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.
Asia. That throughout Asia doors may be open to messengers of the Gospel.
Commentary of the day
Saint John Chrysostom (c.345-407), priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church
Homilies on Saint Matthew's Gospel, no.47, 2
The parables of the treasure and the pearl
The two parables of the treasure and the pearl both teach us the same thing: that we should prefer the Gospel before all earthly treasures... However, there is something even more praiseworthy than this: that we should delight to give it preference, joyfully, unhesitatingly. Let us never forget this: to abandon all else so as to follow God is to gain more than one loses. The preaching of the Gospel is hidden in this world like a hidden treasure, a treasure without price.
To gain this treasure... two conditions are required: the forsaking of this world's goods and a firm determination. For it is a question “of a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it". This one pearl is truth and truth is one, it is not divided. Do you possess a pearl? Then you know your wealth: it is clenched in the palm of your hand; no one is aware of your fortune. So it is with the Gospel: if you embrace it with faith, if it remains enclosed in your heart, what a treasure you have! You alone know it is there. Unbelievers, who know neither what it is nor what value it has, have no idea of your incredible wealth.