THE GREATEST TREASURE

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom” (Mt. 11:25). The liturgy of today centers on the wisdom of God, different from the wisdom of the world. 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 first reading presents to us God’s offer to grant Solomon a wish and Solomon’s response to this offer. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give you” (1Kings 3:5). This is the kind of offer that people dream about, an open-ended offer of assistance by an almighty being, like an open check. It is the kind of offer that unveils the heart of the recipient. Recognizing his youth and enormity of his task, Solomon asked for an understanding heart to distinguish right from wrong and to govern his people with fairness and justice.

With the way the present situation of this country is, if such question is put before us, there will be some interesting responses from us. The person dying of poverty would request for riches, good houses, food; for a corrupt nation like ours, we will request for good government, good policies, infrastructures; the singles would request for good spouse, good job with beautiful family, some may request to feel up their fuel tanks; others may request God to take the life of their enemies and oppositions parties, and much more. For you, what will you ask for?  Solomon asked for wisdom for the benefit of both his kingdom and God’s kingdom. He begged God to give him understanding: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1Kgs 3:9). God, pleased with his selfless request, grant him exceptional wisdom that surpasses all others. This reminds us of seeking divine wisdom or an understanding mind in all aspect of our lives to succeed, especially when faced with difficult decisions and challenges.

God was satisfied with Solomon’s response that he knew his great need for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. God was also satisfied with what Solomon did not ask for, in that he did not ask for riches or fame or power for himself. It is in view of this that the Apostle James encourages us: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously…and it will be given to you” (Jas 1:5). Wisdom was given to Solomon, because he asked for it. However, God expects us to ask wisely, reasonably and not selfishly. It is on this note that Christ made a similar invitation to his disciples, “Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it will be opened for you” (Mt. 7:7).

Similarly, in the gospel, Christ narrates three parables to teach us about the kingdom of heaven, of which, without wisdom we can neither understand the parables of Christ, nor seek the kingdom of heaven. These parables do not describe the kingdom of heaven in a systematic way, but offer us a series of snapshots taken from different perspectives. No single picture is definite, but each provides a glimpse to add to our understanding. Hence, Christ highlights the immense value of the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great price or value.

He says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Mt. 13:44-45). These parables have to do with objects of great value which spark great commitment. It emphasizes the worthiness of sacrificing everything to possess and experience the kingdom’s blessings. The goal of this parable is to make the kingdom of heaven our utmost priority and ensure nothing prevents us from entering it. The response of the person who discovers the treasure and the merchant who found the pearl exemplifies the joy and willingness to sacrifice worldly possessions in order to obtain the kingdom’s eternal riches.

In human terms, we can narrow these treasures down the life of a young man who is ready to let go of certain friends or habit in order to keep the woman of his life and vice-versa. When you love someone, you let go of things that are detrimental to your relationship, because the person is a treasure to you. However, Christ 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. The only way we can find it Is to root ourselves in the Scripture. 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.

Again, Christ likened the kingdom of heaven with the parable of the dragnet, which highlights the final separation of the righteous and the wicked at the end of the age, emphasizing the importance of making choices that align with God’s righteousness and the consequences of rejecting the kingdom. He concludes by urging us to become like scribe trained for the kingdom, emphasizing the need for attentive listening, understanding, and application of the kingdom principles in our lives, of which the second reading emphasizes God’s calling of individuals to be part of the redemptive plan.

Reflecting on the profound value of the kingdom, 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? What can we learn from the persons who found the treasure and the valuable pearl? The readings invite us to seek God’s wisdom, treasure His teachings, trust in His providence, and prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives. It is our prayer that God will grant us wisdom in our decision to follow Him more closely, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ