Thoughts for the Day

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.'

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Firstly, let us remember that Matthew in his Gospel almost totally uses the phrase "the Kingdom of Heaven", rather than the "Kingdom of God", though he does use the latter a few times. Possibly this is to distinguish from God's Heavenly Kingdom from His Kingdom on earth. Mark and Luke both use the term "Kingdom of God".

We should note that the previous three parables about the Kingdom (the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, and the leaven Matthew 13.24-33) have a different emphasis. The first is concerned with corruption in the earthly Kingdom and with the threat of retribution. The second and third according to some scholars have a similar theme, although many would argue that they are about the growth of the Kingdom on earth. However, today's little parables speak instead of how highly the King values the people of His Kingdom. Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a wonderful treasure, so wonderful that when a man finds it, he sells everything to own it. And again for the merchant finding the Kingdom of Heaven is like finding an amazingly valuable pearl.

Is it a wonder that we have four Sundays devoted to this theme. This Kingdom of love is more valuable than anything we possess. However, I wonder if we have devalued it? Have we got so used to the phrase that it has become common-place? What does the Kingdom of Heaven really mean to us today?

Lord God,
give us again that moment of excitement
that we had when we first committed ourselves to You.
May we appreciate the value of Your kingdom,
and never take You for granted.
Keep us enthusiastic for the faith,
eager to learn more,
and to spread the Good News of the Gospel
to those around us.
Amen.