17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Kings 3:5, 7–12 – Solomon asks for an understanding heart. Psalm 119 “Lord, I love your commands.”

Romans 8:28–30 -God predestined us to be conformed to the image of the Son.

Matthew 13:44–52 “The kingdom of heaven or 13:44–46 is like a treasure buried in a field.”

Today we encounter a number of people whom fortune smiles upon. Solomon, heir to David’s throne, is visited by God, who promises him whatever he wishes. In the Gospel, a random person discovers buried treasure and a merchant searching for fine pearls finds a pearl of great price. How do these people respond? How would we respond? Let us listen to God’s word and contemplate our true fortune, our true treasure.

Again this week Jesus uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven. The act of buying a field in which you’ve just reburied a treasure seems strange and a little deceptive, but in the uncertain political situation of Jesus’ time, and especially at the time the Gospels were written, hiding a treasure underground was not uncommon. The parable’s point is that the finder gives everything he has to gain that treasure. So must we be willing to do to gain the treasure of heaven.

What or whom have I overlooked in searching for the kingdom of heaven? How can I develop an understanding heart?