1 Kgs 3:5,7-12; Ps 118(119); Rom 8:28-30; Mt 13:44-52
After David’s death his son, Solomon, became king. Until Solomon built the Temple, sacrificing to God in high places was acceptable. It was during one such sacrifice that God appeared in a dream asking Solomon what he most wanted. In humility Solomon asked for a discerning judgement, rightly earning God’s praise.
The Psalm praises God’s law as the supreme rule for life because it is designed to help us become who we are meant to be.
Paul continues describing life in the Spirit to the Romans. Christians should try to reproduce in themselves images of Christ by progressively sharing in his risen life. God prepares those called to do his work and cooperates with them. Each individual is called for some task in God’s plan for salvation. Those who love him will share in his glory. This includes not only Christians and others of goodwill, but also the Jews, “the ones he chose specially long ago”.
Matthew’s Gospel compares the Kingdom of Heaven to the greatest treasure found either accidentally or after a search, and then compares the Kingdom to a dragnet: the good fish will be kept and those of no use will be thrown in the furnace. There is a surprise ending: not all old treasures should be thrown away, some should be kept – like Israel’s Scriptures, our Old Testament.
(1 Kgs 3:5,7-12; Ps 118(119); Rom 8:28-30; Mt 13:44-52)
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