Wednesday of the 17th week in the ordinary time
Theme: The promise of God
In the 1st reading of today, we see the lamentation of the prophet Jeremiah, because things are not going the way they should. As a result, he took the situation to God in prayer, asking questions and expecting answers from God. Interestingly, God did not forsake or keep him quiet; rather he answered his questions and gave him the solution to the difficulties they were encountering at that time. The Lord gave a blessed assurance to the prophet Jeremiah, retrace your steps and return back to me and I will restore you, I will change your sorrow into joy and restore gladness for grief. You will not be over powered by your enemies, because I am with you and will fight your battles for you and win you victories.
In the same way, God is also saying to you and I as his followers that we should stop complaining about our present situation and retrace our steps and come back to him, and he will restore and bless us beyond our expectations. It is left for us to make that decision and accept the invitation that God is presenting to us today through his prophet Jeremiah, and experience the blessings and restoration that can come from only God. The good thing about this situation is that God keeps to his promises, whatever he promises he will always fulfil them. The big question today my brothers and sisters in Christ is, what is stopping you from retracing your steps and return back to God? He is waiting for you like the prodigal son to welcome you back to where you should be as a child of God. The moment we resolve to do this and take action my brothers and sisters in Christ, God will take it up from there and show us the depth of his love for us. He will never fail or go back on his promises; he will fulfil them and make us a better person. God is always our refuge and strength in times of distress, trust in him and give him a chance in your life.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus presents us with two parables and likens the kingdom of heaven to the treasure hidden in a field, and also the kingdom is likened to a fine pearl. In both parables, because of how important the treasure and pearl are to the people, they gave everything to ensure that they get their heart desire. In the same way my brothers and sisters, Jesus is saying that the kingdom of heaven is a treasure and we should do all within our power to ensure that we get it at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. We must be ready to do everything that will help us get it, just like in the two parables Jesus presented to us in the gospel. We already have an insight on what we should do to be part of Gods kingdom; it is left for us to do it or not to do it. As heirs of the kingdom, may God grant us the strength and grace to make heaven at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. May almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.