SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A – 29th / 30th July, 2023

The treasure is the kingdom of heaven. It is the prize that gives meaning to the present, and its fullest delight which is the joy that we experience when we realise that the treasure is ours, draws us into the future. The reign of God is the fulfilment of our deepest desires and our fondest hopes. Nothing in the world can compare with it, and that is why we are willing to sacrifice everything to attain it. The treasure that we find is really an extraordinary gift that is given. We need not work to attain the kingdom, nor can we earn it in any way. It is given to us by God. All we have to do is accept it. Solomon chose to be of service to others. In this he is a model for disciples to follow. We have discovered the treasure in the field; we have found the pearl of great price. What we have been given, we must now give to others. In giving we will lose nothing. In fact, we gain an abundance of blessings. All things work for good, and God is glorified in all. Such is the character of the kingdom of God.