HOMILY FOR SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A. 26.07.2020.

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Hidden Treasures
Readings: 1Kings 3:5.7-12; Psalm 119; Romans 8:28-30 and Matthew 13:44-52. 


THE GREATEST OF ALL TREASURES: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

 

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom” (Mt11:25). It takes the wisdom of God to understand the mysteries surrounding the kingdom of heaven. When we search for wisdom, we search for God and when we find God, we have found the greatest of all treasures.

 

The first reading present to us God’s offer and Solomon’s response. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” With the way the present situation of this country is, if such question is put before us, there will be some interesting response from us. Certainly, the person dying of poverty would request for riches, good houses, food; for a corrupt nation, we will request for good governments, good policies, infrastructures; the singles would request for good spouse, good job with beautiful family and much more. On the contrary, Solomon ask for wisdom for the benefit of both his kingdom and God’s kingdom. He begged God to give him understanding: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” We need an understanding mind in all aspect of our life in order to succeed.

 

God was satisfied with Solomon’s response that he knew his great need for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. God was also satisfied by what Solomon did not ask for, in that he did not ask for riches or fame or power for himself. In view of this that the Apostle James encourages us: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously…and it will be given to you” (Jas 1:5). Wisdom was given to Solomon, because he asked for it. However, God expects us to ask wisely, reasonably and not selfishly.

 

Similarly, in the gospel, Christ narrates three parables to teach us about the kingdom of heaven, of which, without wisdom we can neither understand the parables of Christ, nor seek the kingdom of heaven. These parables are intended to instruct us to prefer the kingdom of heaven to this world, and to ensure that nothing prevents us from entering into it. At the end of these parables, Christ asked them, “Have you understood all these?” they said to him, “Yes.” The same way with us, Christ wants us to have advantage over the crowd or multitude, which represent the world, when we take deep root in his words, we become wiser, and not like those who do not care about his words.

 

Christ tells us that the kingdom of heaven is indeed a treasure hidden from the wise of this world. Only those who are wise according to God’s standard look for it, and find it. To find it, we must first value it, and when we have found it, we must hide it in our hearts. Therefore, let us ask God for understanding and wisdom as Solomon did, so that we may be wise enough to discern what is good for us, and to make God’s kingdom our priority.

 

In the second reading, St Paul wants us to understand that nothing exist or occur in heaven or earth without the knowledge of God when he said, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Invariable, on our journey to the kingdom of heaven, there are storms we will encounter, difficulties and challenges on our way. When these things hurts us, life is trying to teach us something, to put our trust in God and everything will turn out for our good. Emphatically, ‘’everything,” inclusively, our troubles, our sufferings, poverty, sickness, joblessness, childlessness, our weakness and strength. Indeed, everything will turn out for our good.

 

Dear friends in Christ, for everything to work for our good, we need give up everything that will deprive us of following Christ. This calls for examination of conscience, what do we need to sell out in other to purchase this treasure? Which sin is holding us down from embracing Christ and the kingdom of heaven he has promised us? It is our prayer that God will grant us wisdom in our decision to follow Him more closely, through Christ our Lord. Amen! Peace be with you!

 

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ

Location: Papalanto, Nigeria

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