Lenten Reflection Day 31

I love stories about treasure hunting. I especially love watching them in movies and on television. I am easily swept away by the adventure, uncertainty, danger, exotic locations, and of course, the treasure. One of my favorite TV shows is Expedition Unknown. The host of the show is an archaeologist who travels all over the world in search of various treasures. He is very energetic and charismatic and therefore entertaining to watch.

He has dove to incredible depths, in frigid cold waters as well as tropical, in search of pirate treasure. He has climbed multiple mountains, including Everest, looking for treasure. He has traveled to Central American in search of Incan and Mayan treasures. He has followed alongside Dr. Zahi Hawass, famed Egyptologist, where they unearthed the remains of an Egyptian priest near the Valley of the Kings. Name a place and he’s been there!
I often dream about how amazing it would be to get to travel to some of these locations to look for precious ancient artifacts. How exciting it would be to have your hard work rewarded and to be credited with an historically significant find! But what are the chances I will EVER find real treasure? And how much of it could really be out there to discover in a world that feels so transparent? Perhaps treasures have been closer to us then we may have realized. Maybe this year we might discover or rediscover them.

During Lent we make use of the sacraments, especially that of reconciliation and communion. These help us to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus on Easter Sunday. When we partake in the Holy Eucharist, we indeed receive the greatest treasure on earth. For many of us, the journey to the Eucharist can feel uncertain, as we have to wrestle with our fears of going to confession and asking for God’s forgiveness. We may even find we don’t know the way and depend on someone to guide us there. For others, they may know the way but somehow find themselves lost and on a different path. But once we move past the stumbling blocks and back onto the clearly marked path, we rejoice in the finding of that treasure so deeply longed for, Jesus Christ, in the Eucharist.

Perhaps you have been on a treasure hunt this Lent. Seeking to find the treasure your heart and soul longs for. Could it be reconciliation with a loved one? Establishing peace within your homes? Coming back to Jesus fully through the sacraments of the church? Deepening and strengthening your relationship with your spouse? Overcoming a personal struggle? Wherever it is we find ourselves, whatever the problem or need may be, God is the answer. Through Him all good things come. With Him peace will be found. In Him our souls will find the answer to their longing. May we all come to value the treasures we have in our lives, especially that of our faith and of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Blessings to You and Yours!