Trinity Episcopal Church

March 13, 2011

A Monk was walking the beach collecting shells when he found a crusty old dark object about the size of an egg. He took it home, chipped off the crusty layers, only to discover a deep-sea green gem of immense beauty (an ancient emerald). He polished it up, set it in a metal holder and wore it around his neck.
   Another day he walked the beach and came upon a merchant who causally said hello to the monk, then noticed the emerald he wore, and stopped him.
    “That gem is exquisite! May I look at it?”
    “Of course.” answered the monk.
   The Merchant ohh’d and ahh’d over the stone, turning it from side to side as he watched the light bend and swirl, refracting in its natural facets.
    “I sure would like to possess this.” the merchant sighed.
   The monk paused for a brief moment, looked the merchant in the eyes, took off the gem and handed it out to him. “Take it. It’s my gift to you.”
   The merchant stood there with his mouth. Couldn’t believe it. “Thank you!” he exclaimed, grabbed the emerald and run down the beach cheering and jumping.
   Now I ask you, who was richer; the merchant or the monk?
   A couple of days later the merchant tracked down the monk. They sat at a table and the merchant pulled the gem from his pocket and handed it back to the monk.
   “What’s this about?” asked the monk.
   The merchant replied, “I’d rather have what you possess that allowed you to give this away.”
   The merchant realized the monk was so free of possessions, so detached from material things, that the monk was truly the richer of the two.
   This is what Jesus is saying. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, that will deteriorate over time. Stockpile treasures in heaven, where it’s safe from rusting away or burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be---and the place you will end up being.
   You are like that emerald: your eyes are the windows into your body, Jesus said. If you open your eyes to the awe and wonder of the world, to the interaction between you and the divine, you and God walking the earth together, one journey together, then your body fills up with light and beauty and depth…just like that precious emerald. This is what the Season of Lent is all about---discovering from Christ what the merchant learned from the monk.

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March 13, 2011