First Reading: Jer. 15:10, 16-21
Psalm: Ps. 59:2-3, 4, 10-11, 17, 18
Gospel: Mt. 13:44-46
These two very similar parables are a continuation of the other Kingdom of Heaven/Kingdom of God parables. However in these two parables, the Buried Treasure and Pearl of Great Price, Jesus wanted to call attention to another very important aspect of the Kingdom of God. In the first three kingdom parables, our Lord wanted to give hope in the midst of hopelessness and sin. In today’s two parables he wants to stress the total commitment one has to make to be part of the Kingdom of God.
What comes to our mind when we read or hear the phrase”Kingdom of God”? Jesus himself described his ministry as happening in the “Kingdom of God”. How do we understand what Jesus wanted to tell us? Usually when we use the word “kingdom” we refer to a place. But, Jesus was not referring to territory alone, he meant something more than that. Some translations use “reign” in place of “kingdom”; “kingship” might even be a better word to describe what Jesus meant. If we use “kingship” or “reign”, then the parables will make more sense.
When we acknowledge God as our King, Lord or Master, then it is to him alone that we owe allegiance and obedience. It makes sense to give up everything so that he alone is Lord and Master of our lives. Have we examine our lives, to find out which areas we have not yet surrendered to God? What areas have we identified that are not yet under his grace even as we continue to call Jesus our Lord?
