July 27: Choose First the Kingdom of God

Sir John Everett Millais: The Hidden Treasure
British Tate Collection, London, 1864

Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mt 13:44-46

“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 (NRSV, Mt 13:44).”

Father, Jesus tells us that there is only one reality that matters and everything else receives its value for that reality. It is you, Father, and your coming kingdom. There is no need to flee the world to find you. It is you and you alone who gives meaning to all else. While embracing all that is good, may we thus choose you first and make your kingdom the center and focus of everything that we are and do.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.