Good News Inspiration for Daily Life
Bulletin Insert for July 26, 2020.
Description: Reflection on Matthew 13:44-52 for the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time explains why Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like a buried treasure, a pearl purchased at all cost, and a net from which the bad catch of fish will be tossed away and the good catch will be valued. Our Christian lives are a huge cache of valuables. If our treasure chest has any worthless trash, the garbage needs to be tossed away to make room for more valuables. Some of our treasures have only temporary, earthly value, and ultimately they will be worthless unless they’re used for the kingdom of God.
Romans 8:28-30 tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love God. As we purge our lives of false pearls and dead fish, we become more like our Lord. We become more useful to the kingdom of God. Even the bad things that happen to us, under the creative hand of our all-powerful, mercifully loving God, get put to good use as polishing cloths that brighten our pearls and bring out from us a better shine.
Ideas for use: Bulletin insert for the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time or handout for prayer groups and ministry training, staff meeting, RCIA, adult faith formation, etc.