First Reading's Commentary
Solomon’s unselfish and humble prayer is unique
because it is not the norm of other ancient kings. Solomon was about twenty years of age at this
time and his prayer shows a level of maturity far beyond what he calls “a mere
youth”.
In the Hebrew text, an “understanding heart”
really means a willingness to hear God and obey God. God promises Solomon a heart that is wise and
understanding; so much so, that there has never been anyone like him nor will
there ever be anyone like him. Solomon’s
governance indeed far excelled any of the kings of Israel. Moses and the apostles of Jesus, however, did
have a more extensive understanding of the mysteries of God.
As far as any future leader never being as wise
as Solomon, prompts the question: What about Jesus? Certainly Christ is wiser than Solomon but we
have to exclude Him because Jesus is God in Whom all the gifts of wisdom are
contained and He is the Word Who made these promises to Solomon.
Second Reading's Commentary
For all the trials that are faced in this life,
how important it is to keep the opening verse of this Reading etched in our
hearts. The Latin Vulgate translates a
bit differently and perhaps gives a slightly better understanding of the fruits
of loving God: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God,”
-- “iis qui secundum propositum vocati
sunt sancti -- to such as according to [His] purpose are called to be
saints.” Sainthood or taking up
permanent residency in heaven is our hope.
We are predestined to conform to Christ by following His example, His
teachings, and by our patient endurance in suffering.
Gospel Commentary
Unlike the past couple of weekends, Saint Matthew,
in this weekend’s Gospel, does not record the meaning of these parables. The meaning, however, is clear. They teach that the Kingdom of heaven is far
more valuable than worldly possessions and is worth the sacrifice of all
material riches.
The morality of the characters in these parables
is irrelevant to the point of these parables and thus need not be reflected
upon.
The teachings and example of Jesus Christ is the
buried treasure. Our own free will
determines exactly how valuable that treasure is to each of us. Studying the Gospels, responding to the call
of evangelization, daily prayer, and regular Mass attendance speaks volumes of
how important that treasure is to us.
Evangelization is a hot topic in today’s Church
and the reason is simple: As God’s
created humanity, we have eternal value.
Our souls will not perish with the gifts of this world. And if the Gospel of Christ is our hidden
treasure, then that has to mean that you getting into heaven is as important as
me getting into heaven. In other words,
I must be as concerned for your soul as I am for my own soul. And how clearly was this truth acted out by
our Lord when He became the sacrificial Lamb!
