The gospel reading has three parables that invite deeper awareness of what the kingdom of heaven is like.  The first two parables illustrate that in order to be part of the kingdom of God; one must be willing to risk everything.  Bold, decisive action is required if one is to seize the opportunity and cast one’s lot with the fellowship of disciples.  The result that is promised, of course, is a wealth beyond comprehension.  Jesus takes a familiar theme from world literature (finding a buried treasure) and through the use of parable turns it into an invitation to become one of his followers, to put everything at risk in order to gain everything.  For his listeners, the element of ‘risk’ suggested in these parables would have been something they were keenly aware of, since folk tales abounded of people being tricked out of their fortunes by get-rich-quick schemes involving buried treasure or gems or pearls that ultimately proved to be fake.

Another aspect of the kingdom of God highlighted in these parables is its inclusive nature.  The net thrown into the sea hauls ashore all sorts of fish, edible and not edible.  But an abundant catch is like that – the net’s grasp must be broad if it is to include in its reach a sizable haul.  Even the prior two parables have as their protagonists a common man who had to sell everything in order to buy a precious pearl.  The kingdom of God proclaimed by Jesus is open to all – rich and poor, saint and sinner – a point that Matthew wanted his Christian community never to forget, lest they become elitist or exclusive in their proclamation of the kingdom of God.

Today’s Scriptures are like a chest filled with buried treasures for those willing to hunt them down.  The first reading shows Solomon asking God for wisdom, a treasure beyond price and truly rare.  The psalmist treasures the law of the Lord far above silver and gold.  Paul extols the treasure of God’s grace.  Finally, Matthew speaks of the greatest treasure, the kingdom of heaven.  All these treasures are more than worth risking everything to seek them and make them our own.

None of these treasures, however, is meant to remain buried.  Solomon’s wisdom, The psalmist’s love of the law, Paul’s faith and Matthew’s knowledge, all increased in value as they were shared with the community and generations of believers.  Jesus’ final parable of the kingdom illustrates the purpose of all these treasures that they might act as a dragnet collecting all sorts of people into the inclusive Reign of God.  For when our treasures are shared, everybody wins the treasure hunt.

Our next Baptism Class will be held on September 20th at 1pm in the parish office.  Please call the office if you would like to attend.  

The Diocesan Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism will be hosting an important series of webinars that will focus on racial challenges and the Church.  The series will held on Thursay's  at 1:00 P.M. beginning July 30th.  These webinars will also be replayed at 7pm each night.  For more information click here.  To register for the series click here.  Please note: you only have to register once in order to attend the entire series if you wish.

We wish to thank all of our parishioners who have been mailing in or dropping off their donations, and those who have signed up for Online Giving.  We appreciate your generosity and desire to continue to support the parish.  

Please note that we have upgraded our Online Giving Platform.  It is very user friendly.  If you shop or do your banking on-line please consider this format for your donations.  You have the option to make a one time gift or set up a recuring cycle that suits your timing and budget  You can visit the site by clicking the button below.