The Cost of Finding Treasure
Pentecost 9; Matthew 13:44-58
Jesus told of treasure found outdoors,
hidden in the earth beneath the stars.
Could you change your life to make it yours?
Leave behind what modern living mars?
Do without your mobile phone and cars?
Walk on country with respect and care?
Turn away from city nights in bars?
Breathe the health of wide, untainted air?
Find the pearl most valued in your heart!
Sell the rest and buy it if you dare!
Choose what turns existence into art!
Strip away the masks and shields you bear!
Finding who you really are is worth
goods that gather dust upon a shelf.
Kingdom pearls induce reluctant birth.
Risk the pain, reveal your naked self.
Scribes of kingdom wisdom bring forth truth,
treasuring their sources old and new:
lived-in words of age, fresh words of youth,
common sense and insights of the few.
Prophets without honour when at home
walk the talk in search of listening ears.
Follow if your soul desires to roam!
Hear new words and those that bridge the years.
Barbara Messner 19/07/2026
Barb, poet priest 