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“The more you have, the happier you will be,” seems to define the false values of many people in our modern world. For them, the pursuit of wealth is too often associated with the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, many find out too late that a lifestyle of rampant materialism and individualism fueled by greed is full of nothing more than empty promises and dead ends. The socalled “lifestyles of the rich and famous” may bring earthly comfort in the short term, but are rarely, if ever, in conformity with the Gospel message.
Today’s readings provide us with some insights into real treasures and real values. Our First Reading, from the First Book of Kings (1 Kings 3:5, 712), gives us the example of Solomon who was famed throughout history for his wisdom. God promised Solomon that he would fulfill any request. Rather than asking for more wealth, power, or glory, however, Solomon asks for the one thing that puts everything else into proper perspective he asked for wisdom. This is the gift that allows one to discover the true and lasting treasure.
This theme is also found in today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:4452), as Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God as something valuable that is worth pursuing at all cost. The value that Jesus speaks about is not material, but spiritual; not earthly, but Heavenly. Yes, God’s Kingdom is the greatest treasure, and with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit we come to recognize this and become part of it.
Too often people spend their entire lives searching for all the wrong things. For the authentic Christian, we wait in anticipation for the coming of the Lord. We need not seek any other place, for in Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven we have it all. Rather than spending the rest of our lives forgetting the dignity and privileges of our Baptism by pursuing false goals, let us always remember what we have received and appreciate it. Herein lies the wisdom which we were given in Baptism and which we share in faith.
