Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

17^th Sunday of the Year – July 30, 2017

Readings: 1 Kings 3:5,7-12; Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:57-72,76-77,127-130; 

Rom 8:28-30 & Gospel Matthew 13:44-52.

Theme: Discovering the Secrets of the Kingdom!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, Jesus is not yet done with teaching through parables as he presents us with three parables today. In the gospel (Matthew 13:44-52), Jesus relates to us three apocalyptic parables namely, the parable of the hidden treasure, the parable of the fine pearls and the parable of the dragnet. Our reflection shall explore these parables with the hope of finding a theological nexus among them which shall serve as our spiritual meal for this week.

Three Parables, Same Message

a) The Parable of the Hidden Treasure: In this parable, we are presented with four things:

1. The Treasure: The hidden treasure stands for the Word and the Sacraments as well as the values of the kingdom such as love, charity and forgiveness.

2. The Field: As usual, the field is the world.

3. The Discoverer of the Treasure: The person who discovers the treasure represents subjects of the kingdom.

4. The attitude of selling everything to acquire the field: This stands for discovering the secrets of the kingdom so much so that one is not left in doubt about foregoing worldly power, the trappings of fame and fortune to embrace the poverty of the spirit for Christ’s sake.

b). The Parable of Fine Pearls: In the parable of the fine pearls, we are also presented with three things namely:

1. The Merchant: Closely related to the first parable, the merchant stands for the subjects of the kingdom.

2. The Fine Pearls: The fine pearls are spiritual treasures.

3. The attitude of selling everything to acquire it:  That the merchant sold everything he owned, not some, means that the pearls are of inestimable value. This symbolizes the spiritual attitude of those who have discovered the secrets of the kingdom. For these Christians, nothing compares to either contemplative or active spirituality which is often in touch with God and man.

c). The Parable of the Dragnet: Apparently, the parable of the dragnet is the bridge between the first two parables. This is because it presents us with a resume of the previous parables. We shall take a critical look at the issues involved in this parable:

1. The Dragnet: The dragnet symbolizes the criteria for accessing good or bad. Certainly, the dragnet does not discriminate.

2. The Sea: The sea is the world.