Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Father Bernard Collera SVD – Saint Jude Catholic School, Manila
Friday 11th Week in Ordinary Time
We have heard the story of the King who married four wives. The first he married out of tradition, keeping her in the palace to watch over his children. The second he married for prestige, flaunting her before leaders of other nations. The third was spoiled with every luxury she desired. The youngest, vain and competitive, was kept youthful and flawless to please the King.
One day, the King was diagnosed with a serious illness and knew he would soon die. He asked each wife if she would accompany him in death. The youngest, whom he loved most, refused: “I am afraid of death.” The third bluntly said: “When you die, I will marry someone else.” The second replied: “I am better alive than dead.” Only the first wife answered: “If that will make you happy, my Lord, I am willing to be buried with you.”
The parable reveals the truth of life. The youngest wife symbolizes youth, which fades with time. The third represents riches, which others scramble for after we are gone. The second stands for beauty, which abandons us in death no matter how much makeup we wear. Only the first wife — Christ, our true Treasure — remains faithful, accompanying us in our darkest, most solitary moment, the one our heart longs to have (cf. Matthew 6,19-21)
Jesus assures us: “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Matthew 6,21). If Christ is indeed our treasure, let us be faithful to Him, for He alone gives us real security and eternal life.
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