We can readily identify with Jeremiah's confession or lament. He experiences pain because he persists in proclaiming God's word. Such fidelity results in loneliness and frustration. For us it is very instructive that Jeremiah copes with his pain by bringing it to God's attention. He deals frankly with this God, accusing Him of gross dereliction of duty - Yahweh has become a treacherous brook for the prophet. We are powerfully reminded that we must speak out in the same way. To use such strong language is to realize that we are still involved with this God and still concerned about our mission and calling. Is this not the tradition of the dying Jesus in Matthew and Mark, namely "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

On the other hand, the two gospel parables in today's reading are powerful examples of radical commitment: the selling of everything one possesses. They note how a singular event (discovery of the hidden treasure and the finding of the fine pearl) radically changes the believer's life. At this point we might raise the question: is there a particular event in our lives that has brought about a radical change? If so, how have we managed our lives since that pivotal event? Both the farmer and the merchant remind us that the great discovery must always remain great - the daily effort to let the event saturate our person and life style.