DAILY- HOMILY

July 27, 2014
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Kgs 3: 5, 7-12/ Ps 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 (97a)/ Rom 8: 28-30/ Mt 13: 44-52 or 13:44-46

First Reading: 1 Kgs 3: 5, 7-12
It was in Gibeon, during the night, that Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask what you want me to give you." And now, O Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything. Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen - a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted. Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing your people that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?" Yahweh was pleased that Solomon had made this request. And he told him, "Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request. I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.

Second Reading: Rom 8: 28-30
We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him, whom he has called according to his plan. Those whom he knew beforehand, he has also predestined to be like his Son, similar to him, so that he may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And so, those whom God predestined he called, and those whom he called he makes righteous, and to those whom he makes righteous he will give his Glory.

Gospel: Mt 13: 44-52 or 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like a trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away. That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth." Jesus asked, "Have you understood all these things?" "Yes," they answered. So he said to them, "You will see that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old."

Reflection:
     All of us want to be remembered and we expect our loved ones to give us something on special occasions. Sometimes a friend would ask, "What do you want for your birthday?" A lot of times we cannot reply right away. This is exactly what happened in the first reading. God appeared to King Solomon and asked what gift he desired. Solomon's response was very surprising. Rather than ask for more wealth, arms, soldiers and power, he asked that he be given wisdom to be able to rule his people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. A very unique way of responding to a question so that he can serve God and his people, be a better person and be a better ruler. It is an important lesson for us, followers of Jesus. Most of the time we want material things. We are blinded sometimes by the deceit of this world. Solomon made the right choice and had a prosperous reign.
     The Gospel reading also tells us to make the right choice. If we have set our eyes and heart on something we have discerned and is sure about it, then go for it. If we have prayed over the matter and we know that it is for the good of the others then go for it. We are people who delay a lot of decisions and sometimes we wait for the right time. But postponing decisions can cause problems. But if we are a people of faith and prayer, we know that the choices we make in our life is the right one because it is with the help of God. Like the man who found the treasures and the merchant who found the fine pearls and sold everything they had and were happy with their choices, we too should be happy with our choices because they are products of our faith in God and consultation with others. We do this for the greater glory of God so that we can establish His kingdom here on earth.

Prayer Requests:
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary
... for families who are in need of healing
... for world peace and reconciliation
... for the birthday intentions of
     * Bsp Leopoldo Jaucian
     * Belinda Dee
     * Gigi de la Cruz

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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