Perhaps many of us identify with Jeremiah's disappointment and frustration. He was probably one of the most reluctant prophets in the Old Testament, and it is easy to see why. He had the thankless task of rebuking the people and calling them back to the ways of God. But his career as a prophet was marked by rejection, humiliation, and even attempts on his life. Strangely, he does not get any sympathy from God - only a command to get over his negative attitude and get back to work. It's not about Jeremiah - it's about God, and that is the message he is given. God gave him the mission; God will give him all the strength and power he needs. When we are discouraged in the face of failure or resistance, we should change our focus from ourselves to God. It is God who makes all things possible.

Both these parables involve something valuable that is found but cannot be immediately taken. Why doesn't the man just keep the treasure? It doesn't belong to him - he must pay the price, just as the pearl merchant. The Kingdom of God is so precious that we must be willing to make sacrifices for it. We cannot expect that merely obeying rules will bring us into union with God. It is by learning and living the law of love and service that we unlock our hearts to receive God's gift of grace and salvation. And we do that one day at a time.