7/30/2023

Dear Parishioners,
Jesus concludes a long series of parables about the reign of God in today’s gospel, by praising those wise men and women who
have listened carefully and understood his message. This praise of the “wise” in today's gospel seems to justify the choice of today’s
first reading: the story of Solomon's request for wisdom from God and for “an understanding heart” to distinguish right from wrong, so
that he may govern the people properly. Yahweh is pleased and grants him a wise and discerning heart which enables him to surpass
everyone in wisdom. In the second reading, Paul teaches that the principal agent in Christian spirituality is God and His grace is
with us through the whole process of salvation. The wisdom to perceive God's grace is essential for those who want to follow him.
This is why Paul assures Rome’s Christian community, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called
according to his purpose.” Such knowledge is an act of faith. In the gospel, Jesus teaches that God’s kingdom is something of
extraordinary value, and it calls for total commitment. The kingdom of God is God’s reign in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes,
in our society, and in our world. Only those who develop a searching mind and are willing to give up everything for the great
treasure of God’s kingdom, will be rewarded.
How do we grow in wisdom of God?
We should live every moment in view of our precious goal. Most of the time, we are chasing false treasures such as money,
status, or pleasure. Often, we are locked into regrets over the past, or focused too much on the future. As a result, the enriching
present passes us by, and the treasure is never discovered. Thus, the valuable pearl of sharing in God’s life here on earth and later
in heaven is never found. Let us always remember that heaven is within the reach of all who follow the ordinary vocations of life
and partake of this world's joys and pleasures within the framework of God's commandments. Right now, it is for us to use the
time given to us to go in search of the pearl of great price and to help others in their search. We are challenged to search and
discern where the Lord is calling us so that we may know what path to take. Let us remember that whenever we fight against
discrimination, whenever we trust completely in God, whenever our selflessness conquers selfishness, whenever our love
overcomes sin and our faith overcomes suffering, whenever we render humble service to others, we are doing the will of God as it
is done in heaven and hence we are already in the kingdom of heaven while we are still on earth.
2) A lesson in tolerance and compassionate understanding. The lesson of this parable is like that of the weeds growing up with
the wheat, namely, that the kingdom is a mixed body of saints and sinners (good and rotten fish). There will be always a
temptation on the part of some who feel they are more "faithful" to separate themselves from the “weeds”/”bad fish.” But Jesus
reminds us that the final judgment resulting in reward or punishment is God’s work. Thus, we must learn to be patient,
compassionate and understanding with those who seem to fall far below the requirements of the Gospel and the Kingdom. Let us
humbly admit the fact that there are only a very few of us who are not a mixture of good and evil. Let us admit as St. Paul did, “I am
what I am with the grace of God.”

Love & Peace, Fr. Karl