17th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Mt 13:44-52)

Kingdom - our Treasure

Introduction

- Treasure is an attracting word that has a magical power of making the people to go for it.

- The treasure discovered in the southern part of India (Kerala) worth more than 50 billion dollars surprises the people and gives a boost to the treasure hunters.

- Jesus says – the wise will find out the treasure and will acquire it at any cost. Who is a wise man? In the first reading Solomon is depicted as wise since he asked as a blessing, not wealth or long life, but the understanding. The wise man is the one who understands the reality and things beyond the material world.

Content

- Three statements that is to be emphasized in today’s gospel;

1. The Kingdom of God is at hand;

o Where is the heaven? Is it up or down…. Nobody knows. But one thing is sure; it is a life with God, fully enjoying His love and Peace. The wise man will understand it better.

o The kingdom can be achieved in this world. Jesus has established this kingdom on earth. When we begin to live in the presence of Jesus, we begin to enjoy the kingdom. Practice the love, hope and faith to enjoy the Kingdom on earth.

2. Material wealth is only a means to attain the kingdom of God.

o Do not make the means as an end – the money as the end of the life.

o The mistake happened to the rich man in the gospel is, he considered material blessings as the end in itself and began to use it so selfishly. Jesus called him “fool”.

o Material wealth is not wrong. We need that for our sustenance. Understanding the passing nature of material wealth is wisdom.

3. Sacrifice is the key to the Kingdom.

o No pain, no gain.

o The athletes train so hardly even sacrificing their friend’s gathering and other enjoyments in preparation for the forthcoming event.

o Students sacrifice so many things when the exams are near.

o Sacrifice the selfishness and all other things that is not according to the kingdom of God to achieve our ultimate aim ‘The Kingdom of God’.

Conclusion

- Be the people of wisdom by giving prime importance to the Kingdom Values in our life.

- Let us being enjoying the Kingdom in this earth and come to its fullness in the life after.