Unwavering focus is a theme in each of today's short parables. In each case, a person discovers something of great value and then sells all that he has in order to obtain it. There is no indication of hesitation or doubt. Each person's priorities are clear.

There are, however, differences in these two stories. The merchant seems to be actively looking for what is best. The man in the field, however, may have been actively looking, or perhaps came upon the treasure completely by accident. Whatever the case, the man in the field was attentive to recognizing something beyond the surface. He was open to digging a little deeper in order to discover the goodness lying beneath.

What do I consider to be most valuable in life? Is there anything for which I would sell all that I have in order to obtain?

Sometimes goodness lies beneath, obscured by our expectations and preconceptions. Christ invites us to look deeper and discover the good present in people, cultures and our own life experiences. This can be challenging. With his eyes, however, it is possible to discover treasure in light as well as darkness.