On the Parable of the Treasure

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Sixteenth Week After Pentecost - Saturday

1st Point. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Luke, vi. 45) In these texts our Lord teaches the obligation of mingling spiritual discourse in ordinary conversations.  He says of himself: "For this was I born, and for this I came into the world, that I should give testimony to the truth." (John, xviii. 37) You also have received existence, were made a member of the church, or called to the holy state of religion, to "gif testimony of the truth."  Vain or frivolous conversation is unseemly in a religious, who is consecrated to the service of God.  In the religious all should breathe sanctity, even to the last word.

2nd Point. The love of Jesus Christ is an additional motive that impels the religious to converse frequently on spiritual matters.  Those who love him, love to speak to him and of him, to listen to his divine voice, and make him the subject of their conversation.  "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil., i. 21)  This is the outpouring of a heart that loves Jesus Christ with ardour, and burns with zeal for the glory of his name.  You should desire to attract all hearts to this amiable master, and endeavour to enkindle around you the fire of his love.

3rd Point. Another motive for loving spiritual conversation, is found in the invitation of Jesus Christ, and his promise to those who faithfully respond.  Listen to his invitation: "Open to me, thou my sister, my dove, my perfect one.  Open to me, announce me, speak of me to those who have closed their hearts against me.  For how can I enter, unless some one open to me the door?"  Meditate also his promise: "Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. " (Matt., xviii. 20)  This is effectively proved in the disciples journeying to Emmaus: "Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in the way?" (Luke, xxiv. 32)  Where Jesus is, there is peace, joy, and slavation.  Is not his presence an anticipated heaven?