17th Sunday - A

Commentary
Matthew 13: 44-52

God Searching for Treasures

Today Jesus gives us a pair of parables that complement each other.

Let’s just look at the main verbs that describe the actions of the two characters in the two parables, namely “to find” and “to search.”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary online gives three main definitions for “to find.”
1. to discover (something or someone) without planning or trying to : to discover (something or someone) by chance
2. to get or discover (something or someone that you are looking for)
3. to discover or learn (something) by studying about it

“To search” also has three definitions
1. to carefully look for someone or something : to try to find someone or something
2. to carefully look for someone or something in (something)
3. to carefully look through the clothing of (someone) for something that may be hidden

The image of the “merchant searching” clears any ambiguity that the Kingdom of God can be discovered “without planning” or “by chance” (the first meaning of “find.”)

There is nothing “by chance” or “without planning” with God and God’s Kingdom.

Some commentators also suggest that the treasure and the pearl of great price can be references to each person created by God, and redeemed by the passion, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. For sure, our existence and membership in God’s Reign is not by chance nor without God’s planning.

How do I treasure myself and the gift of membership in God’s Kingdom?