These two parables are basically saying the same thing but with a slight difference in emphasis. For some, the discovery of the Christian message comes as an unexpected surprise. But, once they have heard it, they realise that here is the true way to lead one's life. They will then put everything else aside in order to follow this Way to the full. For others, it is a search for real meaning in life. Perhaps they have come across things which seem to be what they are looking for. And then, one day, they come face to face with Jesus and the Gospel, and they know immediately that this is it and everything else is seen as secondary.

What does my Christian faith mean to me? Is it just a section of my life, side by side with other things, something I think about on Sunday but not much at other times? Let me pray today for the insight which helps me to see that in Christ and His Way there is a vision of life that totally satisfies all my needs and which must permeate every aspect of my living.