Gospel: July 30, 2025
July 30, 2025 (Wednesday)
17th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 (Green/White)
St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop and doctor
Ps 99:5, 6, 7, 9
Holy is the Lord our God
1st Reading: Exodus 34:29-35
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field. The one who finds it, buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.
Reflection:
“The kingdom of Heaven as our treasure.”
If we approach today’s parables with a certain business caution, we might say that the men are reckless in selling everything they have to buy the field of treasure or to buy the pearl. Some might say you shouldn’t place all your eggs in one basket. Better to hedge your bets. These sayings are about protecting oneself from potential loss or failure of one’s investments. What if the pearl turned out to be a fake? What if the treasure wasn’t worth as much as I had thought? What if?… What if? This is a fear of loss, and this fear touches us when it comes to choosing the Kingdom of Heaven as our treasure. We fear disappointment as doubt creeps into our minds and so our commitment to the Kingdom is compromised. However, Christ has no doubt about the priceless value of the Kingdom of Heaven. He is telling us to grab hold of the Kingdom and to turn our whole lives over to it, leaving nothing behind out of fear or caution.
