Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 30 July ‘25. First and Full

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 30 July ‘25

Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday

Exodus 34:29-35. Matthew 13:44-46

First and Full

Today’s Gospel gives us two short parables of Jesus — the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Both tell us one thing: God’s Kingdom must be received with full commitment and recognized as our priority.

The Treasure Hidden in the Field

Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.”

In the time of Jesus, wars and invasions were common. People would hide their wealth in fields to protect it. Many such treasures were forgotten or abandoned over time. If someone found a treasure while ploughing another man’s field, he could not simply take it, as it would be considered theft. To claim the treasure, he had to first buy the field — even if it meant selling all he owned.

This parable teaches us that God’s Kingdom cannot be stolen or gained halfway. It must be owned fully. To gain it, we must be ready to give up everything that competes with it.

The Pearl of Great Price

The second parable speaks of a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds one pearl of great value, he sells all his other possessions to buy it.

The message is clear: To gain what is truly precious, we must let go of what is less important. To make the Kingdom of God the first and full priority of our life, we must be willing to lose our lesser treasures.

What Holds Us Back?

We may fear, “What if the treasure is not worth my sacrifice?”

We may settle for cheap pearls — worldly success, temporary pleasures, or selfish comforts — instead of seeking what truly lasts.

The Kingdom of God is not just one among many things. It is the only thing worth losing everything for.

Moses’ Radiant Face

In the first reading, Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the Law. His face shines with God’s glory because he has been in God’s presence. Like iron that glows when placed in fire, Moses reflects the divine light.

When we truly put God first and allow His presence to fill us, we too become radiant — we shine with faith, hope, and love, and others see God’s glory through us.

Our Call

Today’s message invites us to ask: What is the treasure or pearl that I am holding onto? What must I let go of to make God’s Kingdom my first and full priority? Do I reflect God’s light like Moses did?

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy