Reflection on Today’s Readings, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, July 30th, 2023
Texts: 1Kings 3: 5.7-12; Psalm 119:57.72.76-77.127-130; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52 

                                     Consistency of Choice with Vocation

There is a thing we cannot do without in life. If we refuse to do it another person will do it for us. This is making of choice. Making choice is everyday affair. To live is to make choice. We learn today that our choice should always be consistent with our vocation, our goal or destiny. Some of us have the problem of making choice that is not consistent with our vocation or what we want to be.

Today’s first reading presents King Solomon as an example for us to follow. When he was confronted with question of choice, he went for what was consistent with his vocation. He said, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” He asked for what was consistent with his vocation.  

See what many of us ask in prayer

How many of us are pleased with just doing the will of God or keeping His words! See what many of us ask in prayer: the death of our enemies, wealth, promotion, child, etc. Though they are good things to ask but they should not be our priorities. We learn from Solomon that they are not what we should ask from God. The words of today’s Psalm also affirm it: “I have said, ‘O Lord, my portion is to obey your words.’ The law from your mouth means more to me than large quantities of silver and gold.”  

How many of us pray that we should be like Christ! Yet God’s purpose for our life is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This is clear in today’s second reading: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son”. Do we often make choices that we conform us to the image of Christ? The choice of faithfulness to God’s words and virtuous life conform us to Christ’s image. We are to ask for them. 

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure 

Jesus Christ speaks of heavenly Kingdom in His parables of today. We are to live for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus puts it thus: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Jesus also teaches us to search for God and be willing to give all for His glory. He puts it thus: “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.” 

We live for heavenly kingdom and become the kingdom when Christ’s Gospel rules us. Today’s psalmist gives us a lead in this. He says, “That is why I love your commands more than finest gold, why I rule my life by your precepts, and hate false ways.” The Gospel of Christ contains the principles of the kingdom,  which are love, truth and righteousness. 

kingdom of heaven as art of choosing good over evil

Jesus also speaks of the kingdom of heaven as art of choosing good over evil. He puts it thus: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad.” 

Life often presents options that are contrary to our vocation, goal or destiny. Such options are often captivating and enticing. There are other options Solomon could have chosen from but he chose to ask for understanding mind. God realised this and said, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word.” This teaches us to always prioritise what is consistent with Christ’s image and kingdom of heaven.  

Prayer 

O God, protector of those who hope in you, without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke