Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 3:5, 7-12;
Romans 8; 28-30;
Matthew 13: 44-52;
In ancient times, the rich would bury their money and treasures in the ground to conceal them from marauding tribes or armies; and when the danger was over, they would retrieve their goods.
In the Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to such a hidden treasure, whether it's like a single pearl of great price, or even a miraculous catch of fish. The merchant is convinced that there's a huge pearl out there somewhere, and he's prepared to gamble by selling up everything else to buy the field.
Where do we seek our treasure? The problem is that we're so used to the familiar words of the Gospels, that they don't really impact on our lives. As Jesus remarks, we "hear without understanding." Then, all of a sudden, those words impact on us with a tremendous clarity and freshness.
It may be something about God's love .. His forgiveness .. His divine Presence .. His promise of eternal life. It's as if the light is suddenly switched on in the room.
Jesus gave up everything He valued most - family, home, security even His life, eventually, in order to do His Father's will. For Him, there was no greater or more valuable treasure than that. Nor will we gain anything worthwhile without sacrificing something in this world.
Few, if any, of us will find the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow or win the lottery. But we can all stumble on real treasure. While we may have a problem appreciating our find, wrapped up in the ordinary, everyday stuff of our lives, our real treasure is hidden under our noses: our family, those with whom we share our lives, the opportunities we face daily to exercise the values of Jesus and put them into practice. And it's in the heart of the everyday stuff of our lives that we'll find Jesus, because He's hidden there in the common-place and hopefully, we'll stumble across Him before it's too late.
Intercessions
Jesus tells us to ask and we shall receive. So now we make our petitions to our Father with the confidence that they will be heard and answered:-
1. For the Church, and our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Inspire him in word and deed for the good of Your Church and the world - Lord, hear us.
2. For all the bishops of the Church. May that same spirit of wisdom dwell in them so that they may have the energy and courage to lead and teach us - Lord, hear us.
3. For those who are striving for justice and peace in those countries which are at war. Give them the strength and the courage to continue their work - Lord, hear us.
4. For ourselves. May each one of us grow into a true image of You, in Whose likeness we have been created - Lord, hear us.
5. For parents and grandparents. May the wisdom of their years be a blessing on their children and grandchildren - Lord, hear us.
6. For all who have died in the hope of rising again. Through our prayers, may their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed come to the happiness of Your eternal Kingdom - Lord, hear us.
Lord, listen to the prayers we place before You today, and bless us with Your spirit of wisdom and integrity.