Gospel for July 30 2023 – Matthew 13:44-52
Gospel Reflections for July 30 2023
What do you wish for? …Choose wisely!
In today’s First Reading, God offers Solomon a choice …and he chooses wisdom over wealth.
What would you choose? Money is a practical resource in your wallet that you can use right away while wisdom simply offers deeper insights in your head.
Yet Solomon chose wisdom. For that, he became famous throughout history for making the right choice. Why is that? What’s wrong with wanting cash?
I know people often dream of winning the lottery, but often forget that they are still the same person afterwards. The lottery changed their bank account but not their personality or their soul. Studies affirm that a surprisingly large number of lottery winners have later filed bankruptcy and faced economic ruin. They had received millions, but not the wisdom to use them wisely. People may gain a lot of money or nice things but not understand what they mean. That is where wisdom comes in.
Wisdom is very different from education or knowledge.
Education or knowledge is simply knowing a lot of things, while wisdom is knowing the right things …and what is important in life …and to have everything in the right perspective.
I have met people who have never been to college but are extraordinarily wise, and I admire them greatly. I have also met college professors who are profoundly unhappy, and I feel sad for them.
The Gospel presents several people who discover valuable things and take the right steps needed to safeguard them. They are willing to sacrifice a lot to attain what the Kingdom of God offers. They are wise in doing so. Each item symbolizes the wisdom of our faith.
This is a time of bitter national politics as the presidential race heats up. Therefore, it calls for wise reflection and common sense, and not a time for jumping to conclusions.
Wisdom also calls us to assume the best intentions for people with whom we might disagree. Our continued relationship with loved ones is more important than winning any political argument.
What is it that you most wish for? Will it bring you happiness? I hope so. Our Lord only wants happiness for you as well, and offers the authentic path that is lasting and most satisfying.
Do everything you can to safeguard your faith, as the people did in today’s Gospel.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, the wisdom of Solomon is a great example for us.
Complications of life can push us into places that aren’t good and choice becomes paramount to a healthy, beneficial outcome. Decisions can make or break us and decisions need to be made constantly!
Good old Solomon definitely knew what he was doing.
To find wisdom in motivation instead of selfishness is to find the key of love.
Love is strong.
God’s love is magnanimous….
I just hope I would choose wisdom if given the same choice!
I agree with Kathleen. Wisdom far exceeds the value. of Money. More valuable. exceeding the value of Wisdom is our Faith and Love for those around us. Life directed by Faith sets us on a path to happiness here on earth and. For Eternity after. We Die.
The unifying result of our Catholic Faith can calm the political rancor of Election Seasons realizing we are all made in the image and likeness of our Creator as we gather together in
Worship and Prayer. We are all one in the Eyes of God.
Wise words, Tom!
The most precious gift is our Faith!!! Loveeeeeee it!! If we can beautifully stand up to important issues as pro life with wisdom by not attacking the person but attacking the issue with wisdom!!! When I was in college at Marymount ,Manhattan we debated with WestPoint with our Debating Club,” Should the further development of Nuclear weapons be under International Control”!!! Heavy topic!!! I learned then to always attack the issue not the person in a polite manner!!! Loveeeeee it!!! Have a beautiful day!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca
Thank you!
I wish for happiness, Fr. Dave!
In these disturbing times we need the gift of Wisdom
from the Holy Spirit to make the right choices for a better outcome.
Now is the time to hold steadfast to what God is telling us as we remain faithful
to the truth of the Gospel.
Amen to that Philomena.
Yes, wisdom is exactly what we need in these crazy times.
Always intrigued by this Gospel…Manyt times WISDOM,…when chosen…leads to wealth…which can be used for good inevitably…and WEALTH…which many people are born into…can free them mentally to persue a cure for cancer or
move them SPIRITUALLY to donate to charities or 3rd world countrie….As a result CHOICe is really what this Gosbel is about…🙏What do you think FR. Dave ?
Yes, I agree, but of course, only wise choices. Jesus is actually happy if people honestly achieve wealth, power, and pleasure. But it is wisdom that will help you use them well, and for good.
I really like the parable about the Pearl of
Christ.
Pearls represent Purity, Peace, Tranquility,
and Wisdom.
An interesting historical fact about these
Jewels of the Sea, is that they were used
to pledge honor and loyalty to another.
Thank-You for another wonderful
reflection!
Thank you for sharing the information about pearls too!