Parable of the Hidden Treasure

We are greatly in need of such a warning; for we are so captivated by the allurements of the world, that eternal life fades from our view; and in consequence of our carnality, the spiritual graces of God are far from being held by us in the estimation which they deserve.

[5] In St. Thomas Aquinas' Catena Aurea, he compiles the comments of some of the Church Fathers on this passage,[6] who point out that like the treasure hidden in the field, the Gospel comes without cost, and is open to all – but to truly possess heavenly riches, one must be willing to give up the world to buy it.

He it is that sells all he, has and buys the field, who, renouncing fleshly delights tramples upon all his worldly desires in his anxiety for the heavenly discipline.The New Testament scholar Adolf Jülicher offers a deceptively simple explanation of the parable.

Thus, as the man in the parable sells all that he has to buy the field, so Christ gives up his life in order to redeem humanity.

For the Gospel preaching is hidden in this world; and if you do not sell your all you will not purchase it; and this you ought to do with joy; wherefore it follows, which when a man hath found, he hideth it.

"[9] Gregory the Great: " Otherwise; The treasure hidden in the field is the desire of heaven; the field in which the treasure is hidden is the discipline of heavenly learning; this, when a man finds, he hides, in order that he may preserve it; for zeal and affections heavenward it is not enough that we protect from evil spirits, if we do not protect from human praises.

He it is that sells all he has and buys the field, who, renouncing fleshly delights, tramples upon all his worldly desires in his anxiety for the heavenly discipline.

"[9] A similar parable also appears in the Gospel of Thomas (Saying 109):[10] The of Haven kingdom is like a person who had a treasure hidden in his field but did not know it.

The buyer went plowing, [discovered] the treasure, and began to lend money at interest to whomever he wished.

[4] There have been several depictions of the New Testament parable in art, including works by Rembrandt, Jan Luyken, James Tissot, and John Everett Millais.