SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
1Kgs 3:5,7-12; Ps 119
Rom. 8:28-30; Matt. 13:44-52
EMBRACING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
We are blessed with three parables that are compared to the nature and characteristics of the kingdom of God
The first parable is about a treasure hidden in a field, which a merchant found, hid it again then went to sell everything to buy that field.
In the second parable we are told that the kingdom is compared to a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds one of great value, he goes to sell everything he owns and buys it.
The third parable relates the kingdom of God to a dragnet. When the net has been hauled to the shore, the fishermen sat down to sort out the good fish from the bad.
In these parables Jesus conveys to his hearers and the readers of the gospel the nature of the kingdom of God and the attitude with which we can embrace the Kingdom.
The Kingdom Demands Immediate Response
In the three parables we have heard we see that the responses of the actors was immediate. The man who found the hidden treasure goes immediately to sell everything to buy it. It is so with the one who finds the fine pearls. This means that when it comes to responding to the invitation of the kingdom, we must respond immediately. It cannot be a decision left for tomorrow or another time. The will of God must prevail always in our words and deeds. Whether we encounter it by accident like the hidden treasure or were deliberate about it, we must be prompt in our response when confronted with what God wills and requires of us.
The Kingdom is Worth Everything
The two men who found something went to sell EVERYTHING for it. They gave up everything they had. The kingdom of God is worth all we have. There is not one thing that can live side by side with the will of God in your life. The will of God in fact is what determines the fullness and meaning of your actions. These men were ready to sacrifice everything they have in order to be in God’s family. How much are you willing to give up to attain eternal life. To be truly a child of God you must give up all you know and love in order to have new knowledge and new desires and “sloves”.
Thinking about it further, their actions do not seem to be realistic. Who will sell all he has to buy just a field. Or who will sell all he has – cars lands, building etc. – just to a pearl. These men seem to overreact in their responses to what they found. In fact this is exactly what Jesus is inviting us to. He wants us to overreact. To give it all up for him. In the words of Paul, he wants us to become “fools for Christ” (1Cor 4:10).
The only way to truly embrace the kingdom of God is with great zealousness and with an overwhelming enthusiasm to give it all up and make enough space for the Lord in or hearts.
The Kingdom is in Your Daily Routine and Duty
The parable talks about the normal daily lives of those who found the treasure of the pearl. They didn’t need a special mission or have to go elsewhere for it. Like these men we can embrace the Kingdom of God in the way we live our lives daily. The will of God is hidden your daily routine and responsibilities. It is hidden in your responsibility as a mother, father and child, as a worker. Your daily routine of taking “trotro” or driving through traffic every day.
The will of God is hidden in your surroundings. You can find it. It is in your place of work, friendship and relationships and duties. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others…” (Col. 3:23)
The third parable then gives an eschatological dimension to the readings and the character of the kingdom. When all is said and done, there will be a sorting out. There will be a separation of the good and the bad. At the end of time, in the fullness of the reign of God, the Lord will separate those who have been diligent in living a kingdom awareness life from those who were merely in the motion of the times. Do not be deceived that you are safe by being in church. The separation will begin from the church. In fact, the net is a symbol of the church.
May we find the courage to embrace the Lord and his Kingdom. May the seed of the kingdom grow in our hearts as we await for its fullness. May the Lord direct us to good action that will please him.
God bless you.
By Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
Image credit: Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org
