Fresh Dew Media

 17^th Sunday, Year A: homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Body Language of Those Who Have Found Heaven

Readings: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7–12; Rom 8:28–30; Mt 13:44–52

While going through the readings of this Sunday, one beautiful Igbo song kept ringing in my mind. I would like to begin this reflection with that song: “Ụlọ m dị n’eluigwe mara mma, ụlọ m dị n’eluigwe mara mma. Ụlọ m dị n’ụwa mana nke dị n’igwe ka ya mma eh, ọnwụ adịghị ya.” The translation says: “My house in heaven is beautiful. Yes, I have a house on earth, but the one in heaven is far more beautiful because there is no death there.”

This beautiful song captures the motivation behind the actions of the two men in the first two parables of today’s Gospel. They sold everything they possessed in order to acquire the treasure they had found. There is no other justification for their actions except that their newly discovered treasures meant everything to them. For that reason, they willingly let go of all they had previously depended on—everything that once gave them pleasure, security, and assurance—in order to obtain their newfound treasure.

Jesus tells us that the greatest treasure these men discovered is the Kingdom of God. For the sake of gaining this Kingdom, they gave up all they once relied on. Through these parables, Jesus reveals the proper response of those who have found God and seen the beauty of heaven—the body language of those who have discovered heaven.

Anyone who has truly found God will never choose anything above God. Anyone who has glimpsed the beauty of heaven will not be deceived by the attractive things of this world. Such a person will always prioritize the law of God, as the psalmist reminds us today. He will say to himself, “Yes, the world is beautiful, but I will not lose heaven because of the beauty of this world. The beauty of this world fades, but the beauty of heaven remains forever.” He will also say, “The riches of this world are sweet and attractive, but they pass away. I will not lose my soul or heaven because of earthly riches, for the riches of heaven never pass away.” And again, he will say, “Yes, earthly friendships are good, but I will not lose communion with God because of my friends. Communion with God lasts forever, while earthly friendships last only for a moment.”

All who have found God’s Kingdom, when confronted with a choice between God’s Kingdom and the beautiful things of this world, will always choose God’s Kingdom because they know the value of what they have found. They would gladly echo St Paul in Philippians 3:7–9: “Whatever was gain to me, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

So, the question for us is: Are we prepared to lose friends, wealth, relatives, jobs, and other sources of earthly joy when they become obstacles to God’s Kingdom?

In recent years, one phenomenon has gained serious momentum in Nigeria—the Japa movement: the rush to travel abroad at the slightest opportunity. The difficulties in Nigeria have left many with no option but to crowd foreign embassies seeking visas. Many sold almost everything they owned—lands, cars, houses—to raise money for visas and flight tickets. If Nigerians are willing to sell all they possess to obtain visas and travel abroad, Christians should be even more willing to renounce whatever stands between them and the Kingdom of God.

Let us be practical and mention some sources of earthly joy, comfort, and happiness that can hinder our journey to God’s Kingdom. Can you tell yourself that if getting a particular job—or working in a certain office—will cost you the Kingdom of God, it is better to remain unemployed? Can you tell yourself that if the means of becoming wealthy, acquiring cars, money, or political positions will cost you heaven, it is better to remain poor? (What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? Mt 16:26). Can you tell a friend that if being close to him or her will cost you your sanctity, you are ready to end the friendship? These two parables challenge us in countless ways.

Choosing God in the midst of worldly options that promise instant happiness, joy, and wealth is not easy. What often comes to mind is the fear of suffering, rejection, loss of job, or loss of relationships. The Church does not promise that choosing God makes one immune to hardship, poverty, rejection, or even death. But we must remember Christ’s promise: “Everyone who has forsaken houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands for my sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19:29)

This promise is strengthened by today’s second reading, where St Paul assures us: “In everything, God works for good with those who love Him.” (Rom 8:28)

The first reading gives us a living example of what God does for those who choose Him above earthly joys. Solomon was given the option to choose whatever he wanted. Among all the possibilities, Solomon chose wisdom—the ability to discern God’s will and follow it—so he could govern God’s people rightly. Because of this choice, God blessed Solomon with far more than he asked for.

Therefore, the lesson for us today is: When we prioritize God and heaven, God takes care of all our other needs, because He has promised: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you.” (Mt 6:33)

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima