17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
1kings 3:5.7-12 Romans 8:28-30 Mathew13:44-52
Theme: Where is Your Treasure?
In the first reading and in the gospel, we see the search for a treasure. That is why the theme of our reflection today is: where is your treasure? The saying in Mathew 6:21 is very true, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. This reminds me of a story I was privy to, some years ago, about a traveller who had all his money in his hand luggage, and on getting to the airport he was asked to check it in because it had more than the accepted kilograms. He eventually accepted to check it in after he was given assurance that nothing will happen to the bag. Interestingly, his mind was on that bag throughout the flight until he collected it at his destination. This shows that the content of the bag was of great value to him. Simply put, he treasured the content of his bag.
In the first reading, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and gave him the privilege to make a request and it will be granted. Solomon made his request based on his position as a King. He requested for the wisdom to discern between good and evil. A very selfless request, and this greatly impressed the Lord, and more blessings was added to his request. In the request made by Solomon we see a King who was truly determined to serve his people with sincerity of heart. According to the request of Solomon, the treasure he desired was the Wisdom of God. Dear friends in Christ, what is the treasure you desire and where is your treasure? The answer to both questions could be the new beginning that we need in our lives. Is our treasure in line with the mind of God, or we are guided by our selfish interests?
The second reading of today reminds that “God works for the good of those who love him”. Working according to the mind of God, already places us on a platform that will help us to attain the heavenly treasure, which is the salvation of our souls. The question is: do you love God? This question is better answered in the way we live daily. Emulating the action of Solomon will go a long way in helping us to practice the love of God. In his request we see humility and selflessness. If you had the same opportunity that Solomon had, what would you have requested for? Would your request have led to more blessings from God, just like that of Solomon? It is possible that many of us would have requested material things. In the gospel reading from St. Mathew, Jesus presents to us three parables, and likens the kingdom of heaven to a treasure that is priceless. Thus, we must do all within our power to ensure that we make this treasure our own. This is realisable if we take the lessons from the first and second readings seriously. We must emulate King Solomon by practicing humility and selflessness in our daily lives. Also, we must love God and work according to his plans for us, by putting the word of God into practice in our daily lives. Lastly, we are all encouraged to make the kingdom of God our true treasure and experience the love and blessings of God. May God grant us the grace to love him sincerely. Amen. Peace be with you!