SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A

[cappie]

The Old Testament lesson tells us that for Solomon the supreme good was a wise and discerning mind. It is indeed a great gift, one that we wish for everyone who is in a position of leadership anywhere in the world and who has a responsibility for other human beings upon his or her shoulders. The “wisdom of Solomon” was so respected that it entered into the mythology of the ancient Hebrew people. But marvellous as the gift of wisdom is, it is not enough, the New Testament tells us.

 In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus continues his teaching on the kingdom of heaven. Matthew collected all these sayings, and they unfold before us, one after the other like freshly discovered treasures

Today's Gospel passage from Matthew 13:44-52 presents us with a series of parables.

 In the first parable, Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to a hidden treasure discovered by a man in a field. Recognizing its immense value, the man sells everything he owns to acquire the field and, in turn, the treasure. The parable teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure of immeasurable worth. It is not something to be taken lightly. It demands our wholehearted commitment and willingness to let go of anything that might hinder our pursuit of God's kingdom.

In the second parable, Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven as a merchant seeking fine pearls. When he finds one pearl of exceptional value, he sells everything he possesses to obtain it.

This parable reinforces the same message as the first: the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure worth sacrificing everything for. It is not merely one among many values in our lives; rather, it should be our ultimate pursuit and deepest longing.

 In the third parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a dragnet cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. Once full, the fishermen separate the good fish from the bad,  

This parable reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is firstly inclusive, welcoming people from all levels of society. However, it also underscores the importance of being mindful of the choices we make, as there will come a day of reckoning.

In the final parable, Jesus speaks of a householder who brings out both new and old treasures from his storeroom. He also mentions a scribe who is instructed in the ways of the kingdom and is, therefore, able to bring forth wisdom and understanding.

This parable challenges us to learn from both the ancient wisdom of Scripture and the new revelations of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be lifelong students of God's Word and to continually seek deeper understanding of His kingdom.

 The Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure beyond measure, a pearl of great price that calls for our devotion and commitment.

The man who joyfully sold everything to obtain the hidden treasure, the merchant eagerly sacrificed all for the priceless pearl. We are called to live ethical lives, mindful of the eternal consequences of our choices.

The background for today’s Gospel, as it has been for the past several weeks, is the rejection of Jesus’ preaching by Israel. The kingdom of heaven has come into their midst; yet many cannot see that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. We, too, must discover the kingdom anew. We are called to find it as a treasure, a pearl of great price. And we must be willing to give up all that we have—all our priorities and plans—in order to gain it. Jesus’ Gospel discloses what Paul in today’s Second Reading calls the purpose of God’s plan. As we grow in wisdom and understanding, may we draw from the old and the new, seeking to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the Kingdom of Heaven be the centre of our lives, the ultimate pursuit of our hearts, and the source of joy, peace, and hope in our journey of faith.

 

[BarbTherese]