A billboard on my morning commute regularly updates the Powerball and Mega-Millions jackpots for our state. This inevitably leads to a fair amount of daydreaming during my hour-and-a-half drive. What would I do with an unlimited budget? I imagine going on elaborate vacations with my family, playing golf and tennis all day, or having a private jet.
I recently shared some of these thoughts with my wife, and we discussed all the blessings that we have: a healthy family, great friends, stable and meaningful jobs. The list went on. We remarked that logically, these things should make us happy. What more could we possibly want from life, so why are we not fully satisfied?
In today’s reading, we hear about a merchant searching for a pearl of great price. He is intentionally looking for something spectacular. Once found, he joyfully sells everything to attain it. The pearl, the kingdom of heaven, is not free; however, its value far exceeds any payment given.
True joy comes from the sacrifices made to be in communion with God. If I am not fully satisfied, it is because I am hoping that earthly things will bring happiness when what I am truly yearning for is joy. The joy that can only be found in the kingdom of heaven and that, as we learn in today’s parables, is attainable by all.

While we are called to give all we have, like the merchant and man, our own sacrifices will be unique. We have everything we need right now to purchase that pearl, that land with the treasure. But we must be aware enough to understand the value of what we have found. At that realization, we must be willing to part with all we have to attain it—the joy for which we yearn will follow.