Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart Jeremiah confesses in today’s First Reading. Whenever I am struggling in life, I turn to the Word of God and the community of believers for strength. Scripture brings me hope.  When I need a gentle reminder that all will be well, I can find it usually within the bible or at least call to mind an encounter with the Divine to bring me peace.

I first heard the Word of God in English in Grade 1 and I feel in love with what I heard. The images captured my imagination and heart. I have read Scripture from cover to cover, but unlike many of my Protestant friends, I have not committed it to memory. I know the stories of the Old and New Testaments. Some I love; others I can leave, but most all hold treasures for me.

The Gospel Reading from Matthew 13 has Jesus explaining that the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes out and sell all that he has and buys that field. In another example, Jesus says it is like finding a pearl of great price. The person who finds it sells everything in order to buy it. The Word of God points us in the right direction. If we listen well, we will want to sell everything we have in order to buy this precious gift. Of course, the cost is high, but it should not deter me from paying the price. Jesus laid down his life for us so we know that he has our best interests at heart…even if we do not always understand it.

Through this adventure with cancer, I have felt a presence that is calming. I have no idea what lies ahead but I am appreciative of the sense of not being alone on those private moments that I have not shared with many people. I have lived this experience out loud, here in my blog and among many friends and acquaintances, but some moments have been just between God and I.  I am not completely fearless–I have had moments of being overwhelmed by how surreal this is–but I am not by any means paralyzed. I owe that state of being to my faith which is rooted in God’s Holy Word. Despite the fact that I am diagnosed with terminal cancer, I still have delight in my heart. I am still living with an open heart and much joy. Prior to mass today I answered the question of how I was to someone whom I had not seen for a few months. One quick word before mass began was my response: Grateful. That is because of the Delight of my heart.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

How does the Word of God make you feel?

What are you willing to do to inherit the Kingdom?

Prayer

Living Word, you are worth everything to me. You speak Truth and Love. You instill Peace and Joy. May I always hold fast to what I have heard from You and be ready to go out in joy and sell everything I have for the Pearl. Amen.