The Story of the Pearl Necklace

Today the church recognizes: St. Anthony of Egypt (251-356)
At twenty St. Anthony had inherited his parents' estate near Memphis, Egypt. One Sunday at mass, the gospel spoke directly to the wealthy young man: "If you wish to be perfect, go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me" (Mt 19:21 NJB). The youth took Christ's words literally. He disposed of everything and moved to a hut outside of town. He stayed there practicing the asceticism he learned from hermits who lived nearby. Then, because he desired uninterrupted solitude, he withdrew to an isolated mountain in the Egyptian desert.

A story about things in our lives, The Pearl Necklace.
This is a short story about Ashley, and her mom, and Ashley's burning desire to get a pearl necklace. Ashley finally got up the nerve, to ask her mom for this secret wish deep in her heart.

Without any forethought Ashley went to her mom and just blurted out, "Can you buy me a real pearl necklace, pretty please, mom, I really need one?"

Mom was a little taken aback as she gathered herself to make her reply to Ashley, because her youngest's request was quite unusual, so she chose her words cautiously, "Well honey, you are very young for something as expensive as a pearl necklace.."

Ashley: "But, mom, why not? I can help out with the cost, and you don't know it but I have been saving my allowance for weeks now. I have saved $1.09. I didn't tell you about it, but I have really been thinking a lot about getting a pearl necklace, all my own."

Mom: That's very good that you saved so much from your allowance, Ashley. But you can't buy a real pearl necklace for a dollar, and I am not sure we can buy any necklaces for a dollar.

Really conflicted, Mom decided it would be best if they went and shopped together. She and Ashely scoured all of the local shops without success. There was, however, one more possibility, and by chance they spied a store that had a jewelery sign in the window. This encouraged them, there was still hope. Going directly to the necklaces, Ashely rummaged through the costume jewelry section, checking carefully, and to her utter amazement, there it was, an imitation pearl necklace for $2.50. I thought you said mom, we couldn't buy a necklace that cheap?

Mom was letting Ashley figure out what she would do, and she finally pled with her mom to lend her the difference. With some consternation in her expression, mom, smiled and said, "OK."

As they approached the cashier, mom could tell Ashley had already taken a liking to the necklace. Days past, while Ashley left all her other toys and games alone, and spent much of her free time adoring her possession. This began to worry mom who decided to do something to divert attention from the necklace. This is going to be a problem thought, mom. Ashely is really affected by this imitation pearl necklace; later, at the appropriate time, when Ashley was relaxed in the living-room, mom sat down next to her and said reluctantly:

"Ashley, I think the time has come when I should take your necklace away from you."

And Ashley quickly responded with a tremor in her voice, "But mom, I love my new necklace, and I will make a deal with you. I have my favorite doll, which I can give you if you will let me keep my necklace."

With smile and the nob of her head, mom said, "I will gladly accept you offer." and you could see the tension disappear from Ashley's face.

Over the next week Ashley continued to focus on her necklace unduly much, which was bordering on compulsion, and mom decided to make another demand for her necklace. This brought on the same reaction as the first time, the only difference being, this time, Ashley, volunteered her bear. And, like the last time, mom gladly accepted.

But, as expected Ashley continued her shinanigans. Her necklace was like gold to her.

So, Mom, asked Ashley for the third time, "Honey will you give up your necklace now?"

Ashley is now on the verge of tears, and she says with a tone of desperation, "Mom, I have nothing else give you to keep you from taking my necklace, so, I will give to you as you request." Doing so with a look of hopeless disdain.

Mom smiles from ear to ear and says, "I have a wonderful surprise for you, Ashley! Since you, willingly, gave up your old necklace, I am going to give you a real pearl necklace, and this one cannot be treated like a toy because it is valuable and is only to be worn for special occasions!"

Ashley was ecstatic and overjoyed over her mom's words, rushing up to her to hug her and kiss her with all the emotion a joyful young girl could give.

This story is what happens when anyone of us is asked to give up something we love on this earth, not knowing or trusting in what our Lord has in store for us. The next time you are faced with giving up the things that you love on this earth, think about Ashley's pearl necklace. Did Ashley not do, unwittingly, exactly what Christ taught, and what St. Anthony did when he gave his earthly possessions up for the Lord?

"If you wish to be perfect, go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me" (Mt 19:21 NJB)

My rendition of Fr. Joseph Mary's story from the homily on www.EWTN.com today.