Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like 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. -Matthew 13:45-46
St. James the Greater was a fisherman by trade, who with his brother John, gave up their prosperous business to follow Jesus and become “fishers of men.” Tradition teaches that James brought the Gospel message to the far corner of the Iberian Peninsula (modern day Galicia in northwest Spain), then considered the ends of the earth. Scripture tells us James was the first of the Apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:2). James is known as the Patron Saint of Spain, where his remains are believed to be buried. He is also the Patron Saint of pilgrims. St. James (Sant Iago in Spanish) is often depicted as a pilgrim carrying a staff. His icon is the scallop shell, symbolic of a pilgrimage with its many lines starting in different locations but all leading to a common objective, which can be interpreted as a representation of Heaven. Not coincidentally, scallop shells are common on the shores of Galicia, the terminus of the earthly pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago.
Our lectionary for the past few weeks has included the Kingdom of Heaven parables from Matthew 13. Jesus was teaching along the seashore in Capernaum, and comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to everyday items the listeners would understand: a sower and seeds, leaven, fishing nets, hidden treasure, and a beautiful pearl, among others. Our parish priest had recently returned from Spain, where he and some companions walked the Camino de Santiago. His sermon continued Jesus’ example by comparing a few of his experiences in Spain with the Kingdom of Heaven, and he challenged each of us to do the same, to compare some of the objectives we have attained and the challenges we have had to face on our earthly pilgrimage to our desired heavenly destination. Our attempts to do so will necessarily miss many of the deep theological truths and symbolism of Jesus’ parables, but there is great value in meditating on them nonetheless.
Having recently returned from a family trip ourselves, we accepted our parish priest’s challenge. Here is some of what we shared:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like taking a vacation. You expect it to be relaxing, rejuvenating, and fun, but you find yourself facing times of adversity and feeling stress amidst the good times and adventure.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like getting on an airplane for the first time. You are anxious, uncomfortable, and do not know who the pilot is, but you recognize that he/she must be qualified and experienced to be in charge of a commercial airliner and so you put your total trust in this unknown person.
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like the guidebooks that advertise a specific hike to a scenic spot as “Easy,” yet we endured difficulties. When we did reach the goal, though, it was definitely worth the extra effort.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like going a far distance to seek something missing in your life, and finding it only when you return home
The Apostle James went to the ends of the earth to further the Kingdom of Heaven. Where are you on your earthly pilgrimage and how would you compare it to the Kingdom of Heaven? Are you even on the right road? Pray about it. Read and meditate on Matthew 13. God made you special, with certain gifts and passions. It is our prayer that, like James and all the disciples of Jesus that follow, your life will be a model of the Kingdom of Heaven for all that know and love you.
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