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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Responsorial: Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52

There are moments when we come to new insights in life. Sunday’s Scripture readings talk about new discoveries. In some instances what we experience comes from outside, other times it comes from within. Sometimes we deliberately search; other times we accidentally find. But when these discoveries are connected to our relationship with God, they are all the more powerful. There are two components that are part of these encounters: God gives, and we respond. First, he offers blessings and opportunities. But then once we receive the gift, we are called to use that gift for God’s work, not for personal gain.

Sunday’s first reading is taken from the first book of Kings. It tells part of the story of Solomon as a young man. The Lord appears to him and allows him to ask for anything that he would like. Solomon acknowledges that his father David was a great man. “Oh Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing how to act.” Solomon desires to follow in his footsteps, but he feels unqualified and inadequate. So he asks the Lord, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” Solomon’s one request was to have the ability to lead with the same wisdom as his father.

This story needs to be examined closely. In one sense it seems God is giving him something he did not have, but in fact, Solomon already had wisdom within his heart. He may not have completely understood it, and it may have needed to grow to full fruition, but nonetheless it was there. Solomon could have used this opportunity for personal gain. He could have asked for riches or military strength, but his desire was to lead. It takes wisdom to ask for wisdom.

As in previous weeks, the Gospel is a series of parables. This is the conclusion of the parable section in Matthew. Three brief stories are told. Two of them speak of discovering great treasures. The third is a story of judgment and salvation. The first two are more significant in understanding God’s revelations.

The first story is about a servant who discovers a buried treasure in a field. While this may sound far-fetched, in fact it could have easily happened. If a landowner were facing war or turmoil near his homestead, he often would bury his money and valuables to protect them from an enemy invasion. It is plausible that a hired hand could have unearthed the treasure of his boss. The second story tells of a merchant who was looking for valuable pearls and found one beyond his greatest expectation. These are stories about men who came to discover great riches that came into their lives.

There is, however, a second half to all the stories. Those in the Gospel who found these riches had to go and sell what they had in order to secure their newfound gain. They had to put themselves in a position of vulnerability, surrendering what they had for the sake of their new find. It is not just about personal benefit, but also the response. There is literally a price to pay, even in finding riches. A person will not experience God’s kingdom, both now and to come, without making a sacrifice.

This teaching is not unique to the New Testament, but it is the same message taught in the Old Testament. Solomon must pay a price for his wisdom and leadership within the community. This one moment of grace determines his future. He cannot stay where he is; he must now live in the public light. His willingness to lead will demand sacrifice. God is at the heart of each of these stories calling the believer to new levels of faith. Discipleship does not come without personal cost.

A person who is spiritually awake on any level looks for new opportunities in life. They do not want to remain static. They welcome the opportunity to grow in knowledge of others, self and God. This week’s Scripture readings remind us that those moments will come along, but when they do, they demand a response. God will not call any of us to a situation beyond our ability to face. He will give us the strength and guidance that is needed. May we continue to be open to the many ways God may be calling us to experience his revelation.