What do we value most in our life? Do we value most our wealth, our property, our popularity, our position, our status, our credentials, qualifications and titles, our family, or our extended family? Perhaps we value one or a few of these things or people, but are these things and people all that matter to us? How long would we be able to hold on to these things or people? Would we be able to keep them securely and indefinitely?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us something which we should value most. Jesus is telling us that that which we value most is not our money or possessions, not our titles or qualifications, not even our loved ones. Jesus is telling us that that which we should value most is the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says: “‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.”
All that we have, whether it be material things, titles or relationships are temporary. We could lose them eventually in one way or another. It is only the Kingdom of Heaven which remains and we are united with God and His Kingdom when we do His will, and also when we are are united with one another. Solomon in today’s first reading also realised how much more important the Kingdom of Heaven is when he asked God for wisdom instead of wealth, power and other things. Solomon knew and chose wisdom to understand the will of God. To know what God wants of us is the only thing that matters.
Let us not deceive ourselves into thinking that all that we have here on earth are all that matters. Everything that we have is only temporary. We cannot bring our wealth, titles and relationships with us when we die. Let us make more effort to do the will of God, and be united with Him and each other in His Kingdom. Let us place God as our primary focus and highest value for the betterment of our eternal future.