Today I would like to tell you a little story…

One day, Yē Sū (Aramaic: Yeshu'a, English: Jesus) sat down in the midst of a group of curious seekers, and shared with them this parable…

Once there was merchant of exquisite pearls

who set out on a journey to the farthest regions of the known world —

seeking an impeccable pearl —

the most iridescent pearl

anyone had ever seen —

a

pearl

of

inestimable

value.

For years

he travelled

far

and

wide

—

enduring great trials and tribulations,

only to return home battered

bruised

weary,

disheartened,

impoverished

and apparently…

empty

handed.

Yet his compassionate wife kindly welcomed him home,

nursed his wounds,

helped him bathe,

and prepared a hearty, nourishing meal for him.

She then set him off to bed

to recuperate from the rigours and privations

of his long, arduous expedition.

While he was sound sleeping,

the merchant’s wife set about

washing and repairing the clothing,

which were sullied and soiled.

And there!

As she began to wash the head covering (turban)

the merchant had worn daily

on his far-reaching journey,

she discovered

(with no small measure of curiosity, delight and amusement)

there —

shining luminous —

opalescent

as the morning sun —

the

very

pearl

—

the pearl of inestimable value

—

the merchant had been so desperately

striving and contriving

to

attain.

Brothers and sisters, are you listening deeply

to what I am saying?

Truly

listening?

Awaken and remember!

/|\