First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52
I have always found the first reading of today very challenging. Solomon could have asked for anything from God. God gave Solomon a blank cheque "ask what you would like me to give you". (1 Kgs 3:5) What a question, yet what an answer that came out of Solomon's mouth. Solomon could have gone after many things. However, in reality Solomon went for the lot. God I want to think like you. I desire to look at life in the way that you look at life because only in this way I can reach my full potential as a human person. This is true wisdom, not the wisdom that emanates from a human brain, but a wisdom that comes from the heart of God. True wisdom for all of us who believe in Jesus Christ is to be able to see life from God's point of view. This is the reason why Solomon prayed in this manner, "Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil". In other words, Solomon desired to have the heart and the mind of God as beacons for his own life.
It is therefore very pertinent to ask ourselves - What do I desire in life? What is my heart yearning for? What do I want to go after to make my life tranquil, peaceful and with a purpose? These are vital questions to answer. Many people try to find sense in their lives everywhere except where the answer lies. The lives of so many are empty. They may be hard working yet without being glued daily to the TV watching endless soap operas they would not know what to do with themselves. Many just keep returning to the same places where they know they would never quench their thirst. For many Saturday night is the night to let your hair down, to do something to help you cope with the work associated with the past and following week. They are prepared to spend a lot of money to attain some sort of rest and recreation yet at the end of the day, or should I say night, the heart is still sad and yearning to be truly loved and appreciated.
Another way in which many try to find a way forward is by going with the flow. Many base their lives on what other people say or think. If the majority thinks that this is the best way to go then it must be right. Many are afraid to be different. They would get lost and disoriented if they do not act or think as the latest opinion polls indicate. There is plenty of influence around to tell us how to live well and we just simply go with the current. However, what happens to us in times of anxiety and fear. Where are we going to turn during sickness and pain, or when our hearts are troubled in the face of big decisions? Very often our society does not know how to cope when confronted with such situations. No wonder, the whole issue of euthanasia rears its head very often. Is this the way we are going to cope by doing away with ourselves, by ending it all?
The second reading of today from St Paul's letter to the Romans has these powerful words, "We know that by turning everything to their good God cooperates with all those who love him." (Rom 8:28) This is where our security lies. Jesus Christ promised to be with us all the time. As believers, we need to hang on to these promises. It is only our God who can give us the tranquillity and the peace that we long for and desire. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, He is there, healing, encouraging, loving, forgiving and restoring.
Last week I received a very encouraging email. I was visiting a particular parish over a weekend. During that time I also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. I talked about the fact that through baptism and confirmation we have Jesus Christ our God living in us in a very powerful manner. This means that wherever we are we are never alone and that when we need to face certain difficult situations in our lives we do it knowing that our God is with us all the time. The email was sent by a man who was present in the church. He told me that his sister was the sponsor for one of the children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. His sister had overcome cancer about eight years ago but she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer only a week ago. We can only imagine what this woman is going through at this moment. However, he told me that she was touched that day by what was happening during the Eucharist. Maybe she was touched in a small way, but the fact remains that she did experience that God is faithful to his promise. He is always with us as He promised, with his healing and life giving presence. I emailed him back saying that I would be willing to pray more with his sister if she is willing to accept the invitation.
Very often people, especially young people, come to see me with this statement. I am confused. I say to them why are you confused? I do not know what to do, they would reply. I am torn in different directions because different people give me different advice and ways of acting in order to cope with my situation. No wonder we get confused when we try to follow different points of view. As Christians, as believers in Jesus Christ there is only one voice that we need to listen to. There is only one way that we need to follow, the way and the voice of our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. As Christians we do indeed possess the pearl of great price. Jesus Christ. There are many others who are struggling to find this treasure. May we be the instruments of the healing and soothing power of our living God to all those whom we encounter.
God bless.
Bishop Joe Grech
