Seventeenth Sunday of the Year (Year A)

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year July 30, 2023

1 Kings 3:5.7-12 Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13:44-52

(image courtesy: Google)

A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. "Master, I wish to become your disciple," said the man. "Why?" replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment and said: "Because I want to find God."  The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water. After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke. "Tell me, what you wanted most of all when you were under water." "Air!" answered the man.  "Very well," said the master. "Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air."

In the first reading, we encounter King Solomon, who is known for his wisdom. When God appeared to him in a dream and asked what he desired, Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, or anything his heart desired. But instead, he asked for wisdom to govern his people justly. This act of humility and selflessness impressed God, and He granted Solomon's request. This teaches us that seeking wisdom and understanding should be one of our foremost desires as well. In our daily lives, let us seek the wisdom that comes from God through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and learning from the experiences of others.

In the second reading, St. Paul assures us that God works for the good of those who love Him. Even in times of difficulty and uncertainty, we can trust in God's providence and plan for our lives. He knows us intimately and desires the best for each one of us. When we encounter challenges, let us have faith that God is at work, bringing about something good in the midst of it all.

The Gospel passage from Matthew presents us with a series of parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus uses these parables to illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom. Like a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price, the Kingdom of Heaven is worth giving up everything to possess. These parables challenge us to examine our priorities and to be willing to let go of anything that hinders us from fully embracing God's reign in our hearts.

Moreover, the parable of the net thrown into the sea reminds us that at the end of time, there will be a sorting of the good and the bad. We are called to be like the wise scribe, instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven, who brings forth from his treasure both the old and the new. This means not only holding on to the timeless truths of our faith but also creatively applying them in our lives and society today.

The overall theme of today’s liturgy revolves around the importance of seeking wisdom, understanding God's providential plan, and recognizing the immeasurable value of the Kingdom of Heaven. It emphasizes the idea of giving priority to spiritual treasures and seeking the guidance of God in one's life.

My dear friends, as we celebrate this Eucharist, let us take a moment to reflect on our lives and what truly matters. Let us seek wisdom from God, cherish His law, and trust in His providential care. May we be willing to let go of worldly attachments and embrace the Kingdom of Heaven as our ultimate treasure. As we approach the Eucharist today, let us open our hearts to the grace of God, which empowers us to live as true disciples of Christ and witnesses to His Kingdom in our world. Amen.

Happy Sunday