READINGS FOR THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A, SUNDAY, 30TH JULY, 2023.
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Psalm: 118
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52
REFLECTION BY FR. CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM
THE PRECIOUS NATURE OF GOD’S KINGDOM
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You are welcome to the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year, A. My reflection today focuses on the precious nature of God’s Kingdom. This reflection promises to be thought-provoking, insightful and inspirational.
Reflecting through the lens of today’s readings, I am inspired to say that our faith in Jesus Christ is precious. Jesus Christ reveals to us the nature of the Kingdom of God which is of high cost, valuable and worthy to be highly esteemed and cherished. To discover the Kingdom of God is to possess the most valuable treasure of great price. Put differently, it is right to say that keeping a personal relationship with Christ and seeking first the Kingdom of God are the most valuable and priceless things anyone could discover in life. We need the precious gift of wisdom to discover this truth.
In line with this, today’s First Reading, narrates how King Solomon opted for the great treasure of wisdom. He asked God for an understanding heart to distinguish right from wrong, to discern between good and evil. This will help him in his leadership role, in governing God’s people properly. The Lord was pleased with his request. He granted Solomon a wise and discerning heart which enabled him to surpass everyone in wisdom. (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12).
St. Paul in today’s Second Reading, teaches us the relevance of wisdom. Paul observed that wisdom is essential for those who want to follow Jesus Christ. In wisdom, Paul assures us that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Wisdom according to Paul, helps us to remain in the Kingdom of God. (Romans 8:28-30).
In today’s Gospel, Jesus ends His teaching section in parables and His exploration of the Kingdom of God. Using three mini parables, Jesus teaches us that God’s Kingdom is precious. It means that possessing the Kingdom of God calls for a total commitment to treasure, cherish and preserve it. (Matthew 13:44-52).
From this Scriptural perspective, it is correct to say that the Kingdom of God is indeed precious and priceless. It is a treasure that we should cherish and value. The Kingdom of God is the best deal there ever can be. For this reason, we should be prepared to sell all we have in order to acquire it. The implication of this is that we should prefer the Kingdom of God to all other things we possess. It takes a wise person to accept this heavenly truth.
King Solomon confirmed the truth of this teaching. He has taught us how to be wise. The Lord appeared in a dream to Solomon during the night and said to him: “ask what you would like me to give you.” Solomon replied to God saying: “Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil.” The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s response. The Lord said, “here and now I will do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.” (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12).
In respect of this understanding, we are called to live every moment in view of our precious goal and avoid unnecessary distractions. Most of the time, we are chasing false treasures such as money, social status or worldly pleasures. The really valuable treasure of the Kingdom of God seems never cherished by most of us.
For this reason, Jesus exclaims in the Gospel of Matthew: “what then will anyone gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life? Or what can anyone offer in exchange for his life.? (Matthew 16:26). Again, Jesus says: “Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all other things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:3). Hence, we are urged to keep our greatest treasure safe by accepting Jesus Christ every day as our God and Saviour.
In conclusion, we pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to believe that everything works for good for those who love and put their trust in God. May God’s Kingdom reign in our hearts, lives, homes, community, society, and in our world. May God give us His wisdom to develop a searching mind and a heart willing to give up everything for the great treasure of God’s Kingdom.
Finally, we pray for the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit to strive to be reconciled with God and each other every day, asking pardon and forgiveness for our sins now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM