First reading
Exodus 34:29-35
When Moses came down from the mountain of Sinai – as he came down from the mountain, Moses had the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands – he did not know that the skin on his face was radiant after speaking with the Lord. And when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, the skin on his face shone so much that they would not venture near him. But Moses called to them, and Aaron with all the leaders of the community came back to him; and he spoke to them. Then all the sons of Israel came closer, and he passed on to them all the orders that the Lord had given him on the mountain of Sinai. And when Moses had finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever he went into the Lord’s presence to speak with him, Moses would remove the veil until he came out again. And when he came out, he would tell the sons of Israel what he had been ordered to pass on to them, and the sons of Israel would see the face of Moses radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he returned to speak with the Lord. The Word of the Lord!
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 98(99):5-7,9
Gospel
Matthew 13:44-46
He sells everything he owns and buys the field
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘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.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’ The Gospel of the Lord!
Reflection
We have heard several parables about the Kingdom of heaven and what it is likened to, so for you, what really is the Kingdom of heaven? Have you found this treasure? If you haven’t found it, why not? If you have, are you happy about it? Do you know its value? What is the cost of the Kingdom of heaven? How much value do you place on the salvation won for you by Jesus? Before you answer these questions, I’ll ask one more: what did it cost God to win you back to him? For me, it cost the suffering and death of our Lord (the sacrificial lamb) to earn my salvation.
There are indeed more questions than answers that leave us more puzzled. But we must remember the following: the faith in Christ Jesus we have found must be treasured; our life in Christ Jesus must bring us great joy; and we must be ready to give up anything and everything to attain heaven. Heaven is of great cost! We must not be afraid to lose anything for this great cost because there is a reward. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you (Matt:6:33).
Moses is an exemplary figure in the bible that gave up all he had to follow God’s will. Today we read about the special relationship he shares with God and how God’s glory radiates from him. Our lives are meant to radiate God’s glory, goodness and power. This would be possible if we are ready to give up all that holds us back from truly seeking God’s Kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you, I bless you and glorify your holy name! May thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I present my weakness and wickedness before your feet, and seek your kingdom and righteousness in return. May your glory radiate upon my life till I become a source of blessing to my family, friends and country. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen!
Speechless…