The Greatest Treasure

    

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 July 2023

 

First Reading: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-30

Second Reading: Rom 8:28-30

Gospel: Mt 13:44-52

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

Lord, I love your commands.

What treasures do you have right now? What is the most important treasure among them? Is it money, power, fame, or a loving relationship? Personally, I think there is nothing wrong in pursuing those things because just like any other treasure you can use it to improve your life and the life of the people around you. However, too much struggle to obtain these things on a timeline we set for ourselves, would often lead to disappointments, in worse cases, later we realized that we have been pursuing the wrong goals. Then, we go back to the starting point, what is the most important treasure that I should be seeking?

The thrill of the search gives us a purpose, providing us a reason to wake up the next morning knowing that we have something to look for, although, on a certain level, it gets tiring later on. What is the most important treasure that I should be seeking? Perhaps, for the grad-waiting youth today, who will venture out, leave their comfort zones, their excitement is also filled with existential questions. What will happen to me after this? Is a life focused on avoiding pain a worthwhile life? What lies after all this search?

In the Gospel today, the three kingdom parables were discussed, namely, the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, and the fishing net. They all speak of what truly matters in this life, the Kingdom of God, our relationship with the Creator. Thus, we should prioritize this and the rest falls secondary. That we are willing to let go of all that we have and rest our mind into just doing His commands. For if we trust God, we believe that all graces and provisions are for our best interests.

Then Jesus asks, "Do you understand all these things?". If we say "yes" then it is time for us to alter our goals and priorities. The thrill of the chase is in finding out, what more can I do to be a good servant? The Gospel reminds us to spend time in prayer, for in there, we can communicate with God. Instead of spending more money buying expensive items and going to luxurious meals, why not look in the next neighbor who cannot afford even one decent meal? Having more doesn't equate to acquiring more but rather into giving more. Try it, happiness and contentment feels different that way. God alone can give us the peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27). There is always great joy in seeking and finding God.

Prayer

Saint Ignatius' Prayer for Generosity

Dearest Lord,

Teach me to be generous

Teach me to serve You as I should

To give and not to count the cost

To fight and not to heed the wounds

To toil and not to seek for rest

To labor and ask not for reward

Save that of knowing that I do Your Most Holy Will.

Amen.