Treasure Buried in the Field/Life

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Seventeenth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:44-46*

*First Reading : Ex 34:29-35*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 99:5, 6, 7, 9*

*Treasure Buried in the Field/Life*

*1) What is the Treasure Jesus Speaking about?*

The treasure represents the Kingdom of Heaven — that is, God's reign, His presence, His grace, and the fullness of life in communion with Him. 

It is the experience of divine truth, peace, joy, and eternal purpose that comes from being part of God's kingdom.

*It deeper level it represents*

*Christ Himself* — the ultimate treasure who gives meaning, salvation, and eternal life.

*The Gospel* — the good news of God’s love, mercy, and redemption.

*Spiritual wisdom* — a life transformed by truth, justice, and mercy.

*God’s will* — which when discovered and embraced, brings great fulfillment.

*2) Nature of the Treasure*

*Hidden* :The treasure is not always obvious. Many people live near it without recognizing it. The Kingdom often begins in small, unnoticed ways (Mustard Seed) and is revealed to those who seek (Mt 7:7).

*Invaluable*:  Once discovered, it becomes so precious that the person is willing to give up everything to obtain it. 

*Joyful*: Notice that the man sells everything “in his joy.” This is not a burden, but a delight. Finding the Kingdom brings inner joy, unlike anything the world can offer.

*Personal* : The treasure is discovered by a particular person. Though the Kingdom is available to all, it must be personally recognized, accepted, and pursued.

*Transformative* : The encounter with the treasure changes the life of the one who finds it. It reorders priorities, desires, and direction.

*3) The Treasure buried in my Life*

A calling or mission God has placed in your soul

Gifts and graces that are waiting to be awakened

Wisdom or insight that can only be found in silence, reflection, and surrender

Healing that can come when you allow God's truth to reach your wounds

Christ Himself, waiting to be encountered more personally and deeply

*4) Why is it buried?*

*Because of distraction* – We often look outside for meaning, ignoring what is within.

*Because of fear or wounds* – Sometimes pain causes us to bury our gifts or silence our deeper desires.

*Because it must be sought* – The Kingdom invites seekers. God values your freedom to choose and your desire to find.

*5) How do you “find” it?*

Through prayer, silence, and contemplation

Through reading and meditating on God’s Word

By surrendering things that block your view (attachments, pride, fear)

By living with honesty, openness, and longing for truth

By embracing the small and hidden ways God is already at work in you

*6) Final Thought*

The treasure is buried in the field — in the soil of your everyday life, your heart, your relationships, your struggles, your faith journey. 

Jesus is not pointing to something far away. 

He is inviting you to dig deeper into your own story, because there — beneath the surface — lies the Kingdom.

Luke 17:21 – *“The kingdom of God is within you.”*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*