17th Sunday of the year (A)- Homily

Friends,

Today, the Church encourages us to reflect more on Jesus’ teachings to his disciples about the kingdom of God. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 13:44-52, Jesus presents us with a series of parables, each holding essential and valuable lessons for our spiritual growth and development.

The first parable tells of a hidden treasure in a field. Imagine stumbling upon such a treasure by chance! The person in the parable was overjoyed and sold all that they had to acquire it. This reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure beyond measure. It is a gift from God, waiting to be discovered and embraced. When we encounter the beauty of God’s love and grace, we should be willing to let go of worldly attachments to fully embrace His Kingdom.

The second parable speaks of a merchant seeking fine pearls. After finding one of great value, the merchant sold everything to possess it. This parable emphasizes the importance of recognizing the supreme worth of God’s Kingdom. When we encounter the truth of the Gospel and experience the presence of Christ in our lives, we should be ready to surrender everything else in pursuit of His love and guidance.

The third parable, the net thrown into the sea, gathers fish of all kinds. Similarly, the Kingdom of Heaven welcomes people from all walks of life. However, just as the net separates the good fish from the bad, there will be a final judgment where our actions and choices will be evaluated. This parable calls us to be mindful of our deeds, to live with integrity and love, and to seek reconciliation with God and one another.

Friends, the words of today’s readings can inspire us to consider the significance of our faith in our daily lives. The journey of faith is not always easy, but the rewards are eternal. Like the person who finds the hidden treasure, the merchant who discovers the pearl of great value, and the fisherman who gathers the good fish, may we embrace the Kingdom of Heaven with joy and commitment, allowing our lives to be transformed by God’s love.

Let us pray, like Solomon (1 Kings 3:5,7-12), that God’s grace of wisdom may guide us to make choices that align with His teachings, and that we may be faithful witnesses to the Gospel in all aspects of our lives. May today’s Gospel inspire us to seek the Kingdom of Heaven above all else and to live as true disciples of Christ.

May the Word of God take root in our hearts, bearing abundant fruit for the glory of His Kingdom.