In today’s gospel Jesus continues to teach in parables. The first two parables speak of something so valuable that one would be willing to sell everything that one has to obtain the treasure that is offered. Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like the treasure and the pearls in these parables.

Do you see the Kingdom of Heaven as a treasure so valuable that you would sell everything that you have to obtain the kingdom?

We should not take our place in the Kingdom of Heaven for granted. In recent weeks the parables have taught that not everyone gets into Heaven. Not everyone bears fruit and some will be judged to be weeds and thrown into the fiery furnace. Today’s series of parables are no exception. In the third parable today Jesus says, “the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.” That alone might seem like good news, that everyone gets into Heaven but Jesus does not stop there. He says the fish will be sorted and the bad fish are thrown away.

So it will be at “the end of the age” when the angels will “separate the wicked from the righteousness.“

So, again I ask you, do you see the Kingdom of Heaven as a treasure so valuable that you would sell everything that you have to obtain the kingdom?

We cannot buy our way into Heaven but the question remains, do you have something in your life that you are not willing to give up? Do you have something that is more important to you than God?

For example, for those who do not come to Mass every week, what keeps you from church? If you are sick, God understands. If you can’t drive yourself and don’t have a ride, God understands. If you have to stay home to take care of someone else, God understands.

On the other hand, if you miss Sunday Mass because you partied too much, maybe you should ask yourself what God would think of that. If you miss because of a sporting event or recreational activity, maybe you should ask yourself what God would think of that.

Is God part of your whole life or just an hour on Sunday? Do you live according to God’s law? In Psalm 119, we read, “The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” That’s what the psalmist says. Would you say the same thing?

Our first reading begins, “The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” If God said this to you, what would you ask for? Would you want to win the lottery? How about a new car or a new job? Would you ask for good health for yourself or for another person? Asking for good health is a good thing. But is it the one thing you would most ask for?

Solomon asked for none of these. He had been made king of Israel. He knew that he was just “a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.” (Perhaps recognizes his weaknesses was Solomon’s greatest human wisdom.)

What did Solomon ask for? He answered God, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart, to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” Solomon did not ask this for himself. He asked it for the good of the people.

God granted Solomon the wisdom and understanding that he asked for. Solomon would make many wise decisions. The classic story of Solomon’s wisdom is found just a few verses after God grants Solomon wisdom. Two woman are arguing over a child. Solomon rightly discerns who is the real mother (see 1 Kings 3:16-28).

Solomon did indeed receive great wisdom from the Lord. Unfortunately, he would later go astray. Given the wisdom he received, I never understand why Solomon would later fall short but he did. We need to keep ourselves in the rich soil of God’s Word and the Eucharist so that we persevere in doing God’s Will.

So, are you willing to give up all that you have for the Lord and to be in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Peace,

Fr. Jeff