order to buy that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found
a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net, let down into the sea, in which every
kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down
and gather the good fish into buckets, but throw the bad away. That is how it will be at the
end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just, and to throw the
wicked into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth.”
Jesus asked, “Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered.
So he said to them, “Therefore, every teacher of the law, who becomes
a disciple of the kingdom of heaven, is like a householder, who can
produce from his store things both new and old.”
READ: In the first reading, Solomon makes the best decision of his life. Offered
a gift by God, Solomon chooses wisdom, an understanding mind. Paul reminds
us that God’s plans for those he loves will always be fulfilled for our good. The
Gospel continues the parables of the kingdom of God, helping us to understand
the kingdom where God calls us to be with him forever.
REFLECT: What matters to you? What do you value? What is your treasure, your
pearl of great price? Does the way you live show that these are the things you value?
If you want to know what you value, don’t look at your words or intentions, but at
your budget and your daily schedule. If you say that your faith and family are your
treasures, look to see if you have blocked out time for daily prayer and Sunday
Mass, time for family meals, along with projects, reading, and games. If you value
justice and charity, does your budget show generous stewardship and an effort to
live simply? The way you spend your time, money, and energy shows what really
matters to you.
PRAY: Lord, give me a wise heart that I may treasure lasting things.
ACT: Review your schedule and your budget to see what they say about your values.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023