THE GREATEST OF ALL TREASURES: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom” (Mt11:25). It takes the wisdom of God to understand the mysteries surrounding the kingdom of heaven. When we search for wisdom, we search for God, and when we find God, we have found the greatest of all treasures. The readings present to us the supreme worth of God’s Wisdom and His Kingdom. 

The first reading presents to us God’s offer and Solomon’s response. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” Solomon asked for wisdom for the benefit of both his kingdom and God’s kingdom. He did not choose riches, power, or fame for himself. Instead, he asked for wisdom to lead his people well. This shows that good leadership is not about personal gain. It is about serving others and making wise decisions for their benefit. It is more reason we must choose the right leaders and pray for them, so that they don’t make decisions to destroy us but build us. 

Solomon was presented with the possible human desires (wealth, fame, power…) and his discerning heart correctly identifies the “pearl of great price”, that is, the divine wisdom. In asking for wisdom, he had to let go of other treasures to obtain the one that matters most or is of great value.

Christ in the Gospel uses three parables to reveal what the Kingdom of heaven looks like: he used the images of a treasure, a pearl, and a fishing net to show its great value and the serious choice each person must make. He tells us that the kingdom of heaven is indeed a treasure hidden from the wise of this world. Only those who are wise according to God’s standard look for it and find it. To find it, we must first value it, and when we have found it, we must hide it in our hearts. Invariably, the hidden treasure and the pearl show how the kingdom is worth every sacrifice. The net reminds us that judgment will come, separating the good from the bad. It calls for examination of conscience: what do we need to sell out in order to purchase this treasure? Which sin is holding us down from embracing Christ and the kingdom of heaven he has promised us?

Therefore, let us ask God for understanding and wisdom as Solomon did, so that we may be wise enough to discern what is good for us, and to make God’s kingdom our priority.

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ