The pearls at the metaphoric level could indicate the teachings of the wise or the interpretation of the Torah.
The pearl is the image of the kingdom of God.
There are no “short-cuts” to a genuine living of the faith,
there can be no “cutting corners” to a truly deep and meaningful spiritual life.
There are two roads that are in counter-position, that of death and that of life.
Anyone who chooses the narrow road, that of life, should know that it is full of afflictions;
narrow means tried by suffering for the sake of faith.
*** 1st Reading ***
2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36*
Again Sennacherib sent messengers to