Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure
buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes
and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is
like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great
price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”
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Reflection:
The story is told about a rich man who left everything of his material
wealth to serve in the church. When she was asked why she is doing it, she simply
replied: “I have found the greatest treasure and the most precious pearl that anyone
can ever possess in this world and that is Jesus.”
Every now and then we hear news of rich, powerful and famous people
committing suicide. We can’t help but ask, Why did they end their lives? They
almost have everything, this is what we normally think from outside looking in: They almost
have everything; but do they really have everything?
If they have everything why would they end their lives? They may have
everything that this temporal world could offer them. But in hindsight, a very
important component of their lives is missing and it is the Kingdom of heaven.
Many of us aspire to be materially rich, powerful and famous. However,
when we get rich and almost have everything that this world could offer us. We
find out that something is still missing in our life. Who or what is this
missing piece in our life? This missing piece is Jesus and to find HIM is to
find our greatest treasure and most precious pearl.
But how could we find Jesus if we are always busy with our many worldly
undertakings? How could we find Jesus if we seldom listen to HIM in the silence
of our hearts? How could we find Jesus if we seldom read the bible if at all we
read it? How could we find Jesus if we hardly attend Holy Mass? How could we
find Jesus if we are slaves of facebook?
One of the frightening reality of life is it could end anytime. Most
especially right now wherein Covid-19 is creating so much disorder, mental
imbalance and unease among us. What if we get sick of it and afterwards succumb
to it?
What would happen to our souls if we are so enslave by this world? If we
have not found yet the greatest treasure and the most precious pearl which is
none other than Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas
Dear Fr. Marino the reflection of 17th Sunday in ordinary time is thought provoking and makes to reflect who should be our priority in life . I do read your gospel reflections everyday without any fail. Because they are simple and heart touching. It would be nice dear Fr.if you give the nutshell about the saints life when we celebrate their memorial,feast or solemnity. I love the wonderful ministry you do for God and his people. May God bless you abundantly in this great endeavor
ReplyDeleteDear Fr. I do use your gospel reflection in order to write my Gospel reflection. Is it okey dear Fr
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and for the suggestion. Btw I am not a priest I am an ordinary catholic layman. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThank You Fr. Marino for inspiring us to share the readings with reflections to others. May you always be guided by the Holy Spirit and praying that more people will read and learn tinshare the good news. Thank you and God bless you always 😇😇😇
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