Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 31, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial for St. Ignatius of Loyola

Scripture Text:  Mt 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:

The gospel text for today brings us two of Jesus’ parables concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, those of a treasure buried in a field and of a pearl of great price. Both demonstrate the wisdom of one who discovers such a treasure and is willing to sacrifice anything else in order to attain this treasure.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What am I willing to sacrifice for life in abundance with Christ?

Praying:

LORD, You came into our world as our human brother though You are the only begotten Son of the Almighty Father. You spent your life on earth revealing the Father and His great love for us as well as teaching us what is required of us on our journeys home. And You offered yourself, You selflessly gave your life so that we might have life, life in abundance. Grant that through the power of the Spirit, we may individually come to You, encounter You, build our relationship with You, and live as You called us to live so that when our earthly journey ends, we find ourselves with You. Amen.