"The KIngdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field."

Knowing God and His ways is the most valuable thing in life.

When a person realizes how wonderful it is,

they gladly give up everything else to have it.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1st Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

It was in Gibeon,

During the night, that the Lord appeared to Solomon

in a dream and said, "Ask what you want me to give you."

"And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David,

my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything.

Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen a people so great

that they can neither be numbered nor counted. Give me, therefore,

an understanding mind in governing your people that I may discern between good and evil.

 

For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?"

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had made this request.

And he told him, "Because you have requested this rather than long life

or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked

for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.

I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.

 

Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 (97a)

Lord, I love your commands.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

Romans 8:28-30

We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him,

whom he has called, according to his plan. Those whom he knew beforehand,

he has also predestined to be like his Son, similar to him, so that

he may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And so,

those whom God predestined, he called; and those whom he called,

he makes righteous; and to those whom he makes righteous, he will give his glory.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊     

Matthew 13:44-52

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field. The one who finds it,

buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls.

Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net, let down into the sea,

in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore.

 

Then they sit down and gather the good fish into buckets, but throw the bad away.

That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just,

and to throw the wicked into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth."

Jesus asked, "Have you understood all these things?" "Yes," they answered. So he said to them, "

Therefore, every teacher of the law, who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven,

is like a householder, who can produce from his store things both new and old."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

 The true treasure.

Read: Solomon is depicted as a man who requested the gift of wisdom to discern

between good and evil and govern God's people effectively. God granted him his request

and everything necessary to be a good king. Meanwhile, in his letter to the Romans,

St. Paul states that God justified and glorified the believers of the Lord –

those who love God and are called by Him according to His plan.

In the gospel, Jesus shares three parables emphasizing the wisdom to

choose the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price – the Reign of God in our life.

 

Reflect: What would you ask if God entered your dream tonight and

invited you to request one thing? Would you ask for wealth or success in your career or business?

Would you have the wisdom of Solomon to seek God's reign in your life?

Is Christ so important that you are prepared to follow Him closely?

These are the questions we need to face. Being a faithful follower of Christ is not

just one of many good things in life. Instead, it is the Only Good,

the True Treasure - the one thing that should define our way of living and the choices we make.

 

Pray: Lord, grant me the grace to choose Your will in my life consistently.

 

Act: Offer your time or talent to help those in your community.