Seventeenth Sunday of the Year July 30, 2023
1 Kings 3:5.7-12 Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13:44-52
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
Thank you, fr Anush for this wonderful message
ReplyDeleteThanks for your message father
ReplyDelete