Daily Reflection – Jul 30, 2017
Sunday 30 July 2017
First Reading:1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, I love your commands.
Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:44-52
Today’s Note: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Reading:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,
which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore
and sit down to put what is good into buckets.
What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous
and throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
“Do you understand all these things?”
They answered, “Yes.”
And he replied,
“Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven
is like the head of a household
who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”
Reflection:
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field. (Matthew 13:44)
Who would expect to find a treasure chest in an ordinary field? Probably nobody. We might expect to find rocks, plants, a few squirrels, or maybe an empty soda can—but not treasure. Of course, Jesus isn’t talking about a physical treasure. He is talking about something far more valuable: the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus describes the kingdom as something extraordinary that is “hidden in plain sight.” In truth, the kingdom can be found anywhere because it is God himself. It’s his love and his presence made manifest among us. So wherever love is, that’s where the kingdom is.
Today at church you may see a longtime parishioner who has fallen ill or a family in a tight financial spot. You may also see someone new, a person who doesn’t know anyone and could use a warm welcome. If you respond generously to these opportunities to reach out, you will find the kingdom of heaven!
You can also touch the kingdom as you go about your business in the world. A coworker gets cancer and receives an outpouring of support. One of your children is troubled, and you rush to their side. A neighbor’s spouse dies, and you help the community organize meals. Every time you overlook someone’s faults or say encouraging and grateful words to someone, you are both discovering and bringing forth God’s kingdom, his presence in ordinary places. You are also discovering that these “outbreaks” of the kingdom are more valuable to God than any buried treasure.
So be on the lookout for God’s kingdom in your midst. Although the treasures of heaven cannot be bought with dollars, you can “buy that field” every time you offer your love to God and his people. Remember, Jesus said it is infinitely worth it!
“Jesus, help me to live in your love. Teach me to share that love as well. Lord, I want to make your kingdom present everywhere I go!”
