GOSPEL: Matthew 13:44-52
'The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off in his joy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. 'Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it. 'Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that is cast in the sea and brings in a haul of all kinds of fish. When it is full, the fishermen bring it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in baskets and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the upright, to throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. 'Have you understood all these?' They said, 'Yes.' And he said to them, 'Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom new things as well as old.'


REFLECTION
The Gospel readings for this week use a variety of metaphors and examples for “the Kingdom of Heaven.” Today, Jesus says to His disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that the owner had been buried in a field. Now if someone finds this treasure, he or she likely will hide it and then will go and sell all he or she has and buy the field.” Jesus then uses a second example of a man who finds a rare and beautiful pearl. This man immediately sells all of his belongings so he can buy this rare pearl, this treasure.

Jesus then proposes a third metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells his listeners: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea which collects a wide variety of species of fish. When the net is overloaded, they haul it to the shore and sit down and sort out the fish. They put the “good fish” into buckets; however, the fish that are not good and tasty are thrown away.

Jesus uses these metaphors to instruct His disciples. He tells them: “Thus will it be at the end of the age. The angels will go and separate the “wicked” from the “righteous” and the “wicked” will be thrown into a fiery furnace where they will wail and grind their teeth.”

Today Jesus is speaking directly to us; He is inviting us to look for “the treasure” in our lives. I invite you to take some time today to ask yourself: Whom do I treasure? How do I demonstrate my love and care for those people? Do I frequently tell them how important they are to me or do I often take them for granted?

Then ask yourself: Do I long for the Kingdom of Heaven in my daily life? Do I look for the Kingdom of Heaven as I go through my day? Do I notice how God, Jesus, or the Spirit is present to me, strengthening me, blessing me, and loving me? The Kingdom of Heaven is among us! I wonder how many times a day that we are oblivious to this great gift?

Today, be attentive to many gifts you receive…and thank the Giver! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator