6 Gulf Pine Catholic • January 16, 2026 “May their hearts be encouraged as they are united in love, so they may have the riches of understanding and that they may know the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3 We live in a world obsessed with searching -- for success, approval, security, etc. The desired goal of each search being something not in our possession, or just out of our reach. We get so busy trying to obtain what we do not have that we ignore the treasures found along the way. It’s easy to miss the sacredness hidden in the simple moments we experience day to day. Each day is spent rushing through tasks and scrolling on social media as though life is waiting for us somewhere else. How often do we allow ourselves to “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)? The Bible gives countless examples of where God’s treasures are found, and they are never outside of our reach. They are always hidden wherever we are, within each moment we encounter. They can be found in the simple, the ordinary, the broken, and even when we feel lost. “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches hidden away, that you may know I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 Just as diamonds are formed under pressure, so too can our most valuable treasures be found in the hardships of life. God doesn’t waste pain. God refines it, if we allow it. If we learn to “walk by faith and not by sight” (Corinthians 5:7), the same darkness that once tried to break us can become the places where God’s light shines the brightest. Finding life’s greatest treasures does not begin with digging beneath our feet, it begins by digging deeper within ourselves. When we remember to notice God in both the blessings and the brokenness, we begin to live with an awareness that turns the everyday ordinary moments into holy encounters. Each moment, even the dark ones, is an invitation to go within and find what God has buried in your heart. In the upcoming weeks, I challenge you to take 10-20 minutes each day to pause, take a few deep breaths, look around and recognize some of life’s simple blessings, then close your eyes and search for the treasures hiding within each moment, each emotion, and each breath you take. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:21 Ashley Bonney is a member of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pass Christian. Finding hidden treasure Bonney Guest Columnist This past month, in his activities leading up to Christmas, Pope Leo XIV offered words and insights that are gifts we all can carry with us into this new year. At the Vatican’s sixth annual Christmas “Concert with the Poor,” Leo said that liturgical song “is meant to elevate the soul,” and he called music “a form of love…a via pulchritudinis that leads to God.” Vatican News reported that Pope Leo said the Vatican Christmas “Concert with the Poor” goes beyond a mere musical event or act of philanthropy. He pointed to his Apostolic Exhortation “Dilexi te,” where he stated, “This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation…In the poor, [God] continues to speak to us.” This sentiment highlights the fact that charitable outreach not only benefits those in need but is an essential way for us to meet God and learn all we are called to do and become in this world. We are called to see Christ on the cross in the suffering of others, so when we draw close to that suffering in love and compassion, we learn about Christ and express our profound love for Him. The “Concert with the Poor” began under Pope Francis, and Leo called it a “beautiful tradition.” It is wonderful to see this tradition continue because it provides material support to those in need, while also being an opportunity to share our faith in gatherings that elevate the mind and heart with music. Another recent treasure shared by Pope Leo is a book recommendation. When a journalist asked if he could recommend a book other than the writings of St. Augustine to shed light on his thinking, Leo offered, “The Practice of the Presence of God.” It is a book that was written in the 17th century by a French Carmelite friar known as Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. Brother Lawrence was the cook at a Paris monastery, and his writings reveal a life devoted to living in continual awareness of God’s presence. “The Practice of the Presence of God” is a posthumous publication of a compilation of his writings, and it is beloved by many today for its guidance on drawing close to God in everyday life. Brother Lawrence analogizes prayer to the cultivation of friendship, writing, “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone.” In a letter encouraging a suffering friend to turn to God, Brother Lawrence wrote, “He is the Father of the afflicted, always ready to help us. He loves us infinitely more than we imagine. Love Him then, and seek not consolation elsewhere.” Of the book, Leo said, “It describes a type of prayer and spirituality where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead….That’s been my spirituality for many years, in the midst of great challenges -- living in Peru, during years of terrorism, being called to service in places where I never thought I would be called to serve -- I trust in God, and that message is something that I share with all people.” With these words and in his recommendation of this spiritual classic, Pope Leo points us toward the way of humility. Building upon his wisdom about poverty in “Dilexi te,” Leo invites the world into a deeper understanding of his own spiritual journey so that each of us may know of God’s tremendous love for us. Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M., serves on The Christophers’ Board of Directors. For a free copy of the Christopher News Note, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org. The wisdom of Pope Leo Light One Candle Fr. Dougherty Prayer for Vocations God our Father, We thank you for calling men and women to serve in Your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to Your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
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