CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation

July 27, 2008 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

Gospel reading Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe* who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” *The Church of Matthew had leaders among whom were a group designated as “scribes” (see 23:34). Like the scribes of Israel, they were teachers. It is the Twelve and these later counterparts to whom this verse applies. (The Catholic Bible. Personal Study Edition, Oxford University Press)

Brief commentary:

As on last Sunday, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to human, real scenarios. But whereas the parables from last Sunday talked about things growing on their own, today’s Gospel talks about people discovering precious things and giving up anything to obtain them. The text includes three more parables where Jesus tries to help the disciples understand the kingdom of heaven: the hidden treasure, the merchant in search of fine pearls, and the net that caught fish of every kind. Each of the objects, the thing found or caught, is something of great value. In the first two parables, Jesus tries to impress upon the disciples that the person who finds and understands the value of the kingdom of heaven gives up whatever is needed in order to obtain it. The third parable reminds us of the weeds and the wheat and stresses the ultimate exclusion of evil persons from the kingdom. The parables’ discourse (13:51-53) concludes expressing the goal of the evangelist: to connect Christ with the Old Testament and to see his life in the light of the Old Testament tradition. Anyone who understands this will be able to bring together the old (Hebrew Law and Covenant), and the new (the New Covenant in Jesus).

Today’s reading offers three significant messages:

• The new reign of God is the greatest treasure one can possess. • Jesus’ probing question: “Do you understand all these things?” is also meant for us today. • God’s kingdom invites us to desire more than material satisfactions.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

1. Where is my treasure? Where do I invest most of my energies and time? 2. Am I willing to live more simply so others can simply live? Explain.

Suggested readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 542-546; 671-72; 1034; 328-333.