hunting

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. (Matthew 13:44)


Finally.  The season of Advent has officially begun.  It feels like it has taken forever as we have trudged through the longest season of the church year, the season of ordinary time, and have finally arrived at the season of Watching and Waiting once again.  It is the beginning of yet another liturgical year.  Advent is finally here. 

And it is key for us to remember, as we begin this new season, that there is an active part to this watching and waiting; which sounds as though it is anything but active.  And the active part has to do with the fact that often the treasure we are looking for, and hoping for and longing for, is hidden.  So our activity during Advent has nothing to do with filling our lives and our schedules to the brim with all sorts of activities and obligations, but has everything to do with making space and time to be aware and attentive.  It has everything to do with looking for the treasure hidden in all things.  It has everything to do with looking and seeking and searching and digging to the depths of our very souls, that we might find the treasure hidden both within and around us.  It has everything to do with having the right eyes to seek and to see that treasure in whatever circumstance or conversation or task or duty (like Zechariah) or event or festivity we find ourselves in the middle of--particularly those that seem the least likely to contain that treasure.  For if there is one thing this season shows us, it is that the Treasure is likely to be found in the least likely places.  Happy hunting.