17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

1 Kings 3:5.7-12

Romans 8:28-30

Matthew 13:44-52

THE DISCOVERY OF TRUE JOY 

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus gives three parables about the Kingdom of God: the hidden treasure, the merchant of precious pearls and the dragnet cast into the sea. These parables reveal to us that the discovery of God is a joyful and life-changing experience, which is at the same time very demanding. It can come unexpectedly or as a result of a patient searching. In any case, once one encounters the Lord, he is invited to make a choice. He must be ready and willing to pay any price in order to be with the Lord, the source of true happiness and fulfilment.

In this perspective, the second reading makes us understand that God has called all of us to glory and happiness. But each of us is free to respond or not. In other words, loving God is a matter of choice. And God makes all things beautiful for those who respond positively to his call, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges, for “all things work for good of those who love God” (Rom. 8.28).

Moreover, the story of King Solomon, narrated in the first readings, teaches that the way to true happiness and inner peace is remaining faithful to our covenant with God and working for the good of others. When God told him to ask for anything, King Solomon did not ask anything for his self-interest. He did not search for the immediate gratification of his desires. Neither did he ask God to destroy his enemies and to make the people of Israel subject to him. He asked simply God for a listening heart so as to govern the people with justice, fairness and discernment.

Consequently, God was pleased with his request and added wisdom and prosperity to him so much so that no one could be compared with King Solomon. But today, how many of us do not pray for the destruction of our enemies, and use others to achieve our selfish ambitions? How many of our religious and political leaders pray, asking God for an understanding heart for the interest of the people entrusted to them? 

We should always remember that when we look for the good of others, we find our own good, and this is nothing but choosing to be part of the Kingdom of God. May the Lord bless and keep us safe. Amen