"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

We are the merchant.  We are all searching, even those who do not realize it.  Searching for meaning, union, love, forgiveness and freedom.  Those who have found the Word have found the one pearl of greatest value - an inestimable value.  The remaining task for us is to dispossess ourselves and secure it ever more deeply in our hearts.

It would be wrong to assume there is nothing further we can do than receive the Word.  The parable of the sower teaches us that God sows the word - plants it into the soil of our heart - but whether it remains and bears fruit is up to us who have control of the soil.  (Matthew 13.18-23)  The merchant can't have the pearl of greatest value unless he seeks everything to secure it.  "None of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns."  (Luke 14.33)  What does this mean?  The parable of the sower tells us: Bearing with trials, seeking to understand, detaching ourselves from the cares and worries of the world, avoiding the vain pursuit of wealth and not becoming caught up in the pleasures of life.  (Matthew 13.18-23; Luke 8.11-15)  This is a real "death" to ourselves and the world and fulfills the requirements necessary to gain life: "Those who lose their life for my sake will save it."  (Luke 9.24)

The movement from searching to possessing requires renunciation and conversion.  We cannot contain and enjoy the pearl in our hearts without first making room for it.  And because it is so big the whole heart must empty.  It would be folly to believe we can possess the Kingdom without self-renunciation.  "Sir give me the everlasting water," the Samaritan woman implores Jesus.  "First you must convert from your impure ways," Jesus tells her (John 4.15-18)