Homily for July 27, Wednesday of the XVII week in ordinary time
Over the past few days, the daily Gospel readings have been giving us last Sunday’s Gospel reading cut into smaller pieces. In the case of today’s selection, this gives us a chance to look at an interpretation of the parables which is different and complementary with respect to their most common presentation.
Usually the people in the parable who sell everything for the object they desire are seen as images of us, who should be willing to give up everything to follow Christ and gain the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the most obvious approach, and is certainly valid. However, we can also flip this around. It is Christ who seeks to establish the Kingdom of Heaven and came to earth to find us, His lost sheep. He surrendered everything to win us for Himself, becoming one of us and giving up His life on the cross for our salvation. From this perspective, we are the treasure in the field, and the pearl of great price.
This is a less obvious interpretation, but it is also true. Right from the start of human history, God has stopped at nothing to teach us His truth and draw us to Himself. We see an instance of this in the first reading, in which God reveals Himself to Moses in an extraordinary way that transforms Moses’ very appearance. When Christ “bought” us on the cross, He transformed not our faces, but our hearts and souls.
Let us be very thankful today for this overwhelming and transforming love of God that makes us His adopted sons and daughters, and may He help us to respond by giving Him all our lives in return.
Perpetual Learner 