Sunday 30th July 2023 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Kings 3:5,7-12/ Psalm 118(119)/ Romans 8:28-30/ Matthew 13:44-52

There is a television comedy series called Detectorists, it follows the lives of two eccentric metal detectorists played by Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones. It is a meandering comedy in the mould of Last of the Summer Wine, in which we eaves drop on the conversation between these two characters as they plod through fields looking for that chance of a lifetime that finding a buried hoard of treasure would bring. We know this is possible because such hoards have been found by detectorists.

This scenario is given by Jesus through Matthews gospel today. ‘The kingdom of heaven’ we are told, ‘is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.’ The difference today is that the law requires such finds to be reported and they are assumed to belong to The Crown. A reward might then be paid to the finders but split with the owner of the land. The principal of the story holds true, we, through our faith, are always searching for the treasure that is the kingdom of heaven. When we find it there will be a realisation that it has a value beyond compare and we would willingly sell everything we have to obtain it. Is this in fact how we think? Do we commit everything to obtaining the treasure of the kingdom of heaven or do we hedge our bets keeping one foot firmly planted in the material world and the other reaching towards the eternal?

The words of the opening prayer at mass today sum the situation up succinctly; ‘may we use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure.’ As with the detectorists in the field we use our worldly lives and the things of the world to search for the lasting treasure of God’s kingdom.

It is a matter of having the wisdom to discern between what is important in respect of our faith and eternity and what is only a passing comfort, what is good and what is evil. The first reading reminds me of the classic three wishes stories of folk lore. Often in these stories the wishes are squandered on frivolous requests leading to the seemingly lucky recipients ending up worse off than they were before their wishes were granted.

Solomon was a young man when he succeeded as king after his father David. In a dream the Lord asked Solomon what he would like to be given. It might be expected that Solomon would ask for long life, wealth, or triumph over his enemies but instead he asked for the wisdom to rule over the people with justice. Solomon took seriously his calling to lead the people. He did not lust for power and authority but wanted the wisdom to rule justly. For this he was rewarded, not only was he given the wisdom he asked for but he obtained all the worldly riches associated with a powerful leader. The psalm reminds us that the word of God is more valuable than silver and gold. We would do well to learn the humility of Solomon to receive the wisdom of God that will see us through this life.

Today’s gospel passage gives us a list of situations that reflect what the kingdom of God is like. As well as the treasure found in the field we hear of the merchant and the fine pearl, the fishing net catching both good and bad fish to be sorted one from the other and finally the householder who brings out both old and new things from the storeroom. Every now and again we will look through our kitchen cupboards. There will be a mixture of things there, some old some new. Some that have long expired use by dates but others that, although old, are perfectly usable alongside fresher items that may have been bought to try new and interesting recipes. Our faith has a long and varied history and carries with it valuable teaching handed down over the years. In the same way as sorting out the kitchen cupboards the church can also sort out the storage of teaching it possesses. Some of the older practices and traditions might have had a place in their day but may not fit so well these days. These are like the long-outdated tins and jars that need to be disregarded. There are also long held practices, prayers, and traditions that, although old, are not outdated and still serve us well or indeed are required to help us develop our faith. These are like the older items in the cupboard that are still usable and are necessary ingredients for many favourite meals. Then there are the newer practices that have developed in recent years, new ways of praying and worshiping. These are the items we have bought to try out new and exciting recipes.

The wisdom asked for by Solomon is the wisdom we need to decide what parts of our faith and its rich traditions possibly need to be left behind, those that are always going to be vital, even though old, and those that although new can lead us to a closer relationship with God, each other, and a greater understanding of our faith. Today let our prayer be that we have the wisdom to use those things available to us in this life to search for the lasting treasure of the kingdom of heaven.

God Bless, Brendan.