Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 2, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Matthew 13:44-46

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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

This gospel reading from Matthew’s Gospel recounts Jesus’ using two parables to teach about the Kingdom of heaven, that of the treasure buried in a field and that of a pearl of great value. Three things are to be noted that both parables highlight: the value of the found object, the joy of the individual upon finding it, and the length one will go to in order to attain that of great value. Jesus used these two simple parables to teach the disciples of the value of the Kingdom of heaven, the joy one experiences when one discovers the Kingdom, and the lengths and breadths of one’s efforts to claim the Kingdom.

How does this pertain to us today?

Jesus’ message in the parables about the Kingdom of heaven are not relegated to His time alone. The message applies for us today. As disciples of Christ, we are called to join in His ongoing mission, the salvation of humanity from the Father, through Him, and in the Spirit. This requires effort and sacrifice on our part.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Are we aware today of Christ’s invitation to participate in His ongoing mission? Do we realize that the Kingdom of heaven begins here on earth, and we have a part to play in its growth? What are we willing to do to be workers for the Kingdom?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us as our brother and to reveal You and will for us to us through His teachings, His works, and most especially through his willingness to lay down His life for us and for our salvation. He calls us to You and to the ongoing mission of salvation as co-workers in your vineyard, our world here on earth. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds and open our hearts to your will for us individually and collectively. Grant that we may have the courage to make sacrifices for this mission in His name. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.