Homilies

17th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: TREASURE HIDDEN IN A FIELD

We have heard three parables of the kingdom in this gospel passage: treasure, pearl and net. Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven into a hidden treasure, fine pearl and a net thrown into the sea which caught fish of every kind. Let us try to reflect on these similes.

First, the kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure buried in a field. A treasure is very precious. When we talk about treasure, it must be expensive. In our Christian fiath, the only treasure is our Lord Jesus Christ. For some, he is already a found treasure because they have been believing in him But for others, he is a treasure who is still hidden and must be found. Our human experience is this: when we have found a treasure, we would become rich. People who have found treasures became filthy rich. This is exactly what we havel in our Lord Jesus. If we have already found him, we can become rich. We can be enriched by the Word of God and by the blessings of the kingdom.

Second, the kingdom of God is like searching for fine pearls. Searching is an adventure and can be fun. It is considered good and valuable because in searching, we can grow on the process. The search cannot be easy. It takes a long, long process. We can learn some lessons in searching: patience and determination. Some people have already found the finest pearl in our Lord Jesus. But for others, they are still on search for him. And worse, others stopped searching for God in their lives. We pray that they patiently search for God who can fulfill their desires and longings.

Third, the kingdom of God is like a net that collects every kind of fish, both good and bad. The good will be placed in a basket while the bad will be thrown away. The lesson we get from this third parable is very simple. The good will go to heaven and the bad will go to hell. This parable brings us once again to the very basics of our faith. There is good and evil, but God expects us to choose what is good because this would lead us to heaven. Moreover, we must also be reminded that there is a future that lies before us. This future with God is something we must hope for.

Our future with God can only be bright if we have found him as our treasure and fine pearl. Let us not hide this treasure but show it to others so that they may also believe in him. In believing God, they may also share in the blessings of the kingdom. They may have also a share in the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven.

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