Pope Francis: Jesus is the treasure, Jesus is the pearl

July 28, 2014

Pope Francis concluded his brief apostolic journey to Caserta on July 26 by celebrating evening Mass in the piazza in front of the city’s royal palace.

Preaching about the parables of the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price, the Pope said that “the kingdom of God makes itself present in the very person of Jesus. He is the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. It encompasses the joy of the peasant and the merchant: they found it! It is the joy of all of us when we discover the closeness and the presence of Jesus in our lives – a presence that transforms our lives.”

“Each of us has a particular path,” he continued. “For some, the encounter with Jesus is awaited, desired, long sought after, as is shown in the parable of the merchant. For others it happens suddenly, almost by accident, as in the parable of the peasant … It is He who seeks us and makes Himself discoverable, even for those who do not seek him. Sometimes He lets Himself be found in unusual places and unexpected times. When Jesus is discovered, one is fascinated, conquered, and it is a joy to leave our usual way of life, sometimes dry and apathetic, to embrace the Gospel, to be guided by the new logic of love and of humble and disinterested service.”

The Pope urged the people to read the Gospel daily and recalled that the day was the feast of St. Ann, mother of the Blessed Virgin and patroness of Caserta.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Visita Pastorale del Santo Padre Francesco a Caserta: Santa Messa nella Piazza antistante la Reggia di Caserta (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis' Homily at Mass in Caserta (Zenit)
• Pope Francis in Caserta: "Say No to corruption and lawlessness" (Vatican Radio)