Homily – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

At the end of a Requiem Mass this week for one of our long-term parishioners, I accompanied the family as we walked the coffin to the hearse parked in front of the church before she was taken away to be cremated. As I stood at the back of the hearse, facing it while the family members paid their last respects, I was overcome with emotion by the scene. It led me to reflect deeply on who I am among God’s people.

Needless to say, the family was very emotional as they bid farewell to their loved one. My heart was touched as I watched the husband and their son come forward to pay their respects, holding roses with tears in their eyes. At that very moment, a thought crossed my mind: “What are you doing here, Sang?” Among the crowd, I was the one robed in white vestments, leading the congregation in prayer. With the deep emotion I had just experienced and the warm connection I had made with the family, especially the husband, I thought to myself: “Surely, this is not simply about fulfilling the responsibilities of a priest because it is my job. Nor is it merely another funeral added to the many I have celebrated throughout my priesthood. No, surely not. I am here to be with the people; to stand among my fellow human beings and share in their time of sorrow. I am here to help them, as best I can, to celebrate the life of their loved one in the most dignified way.”

As I reflected further, in harmony with the homily I had preached and with my understanding of the priesthood, another thought became clear: “I am here not only to lead the celebration but to lead the people of God to Christ—to believe in his message of faith and hope in the new life of the Resurrection.”

My heart was filled with gratitude for the privilege of experiencing the beauty of human emotion through human connection. I was even more grateful because being welcomed into one of the most vulnerable moments in the life of a family, to share their faith and lead them in hope, is truly a humbling and extraordinary privilege. As I reflected on the call to lead God’s people in faith, I found myself resonating with Solomon’s response to God in today’s first reading.

After succeeding his father David, who had just died, Solomon was asked by God in a dream what he desired most. His response is like a beautiful prayer:

“O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours whom you have chosen, a people so numerous they cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this great people of yours?”

As we read Solomon’s response, we see that he acknowledges his weaknesses and shortcomings because of his youth and lack of experience. At the same time, he recognises his responsibility as king of God’s people. More importantly, he does not ask for riches, a long life, or power, as many kings might have done. Instead, he asks for wisdom—for an understanding heart—not for his own benefit, but so that he may faithfully lead God’s chosen people.

Solomon’s response is especially significant in light of the Gospel we hear this week. Naturally, we share many moments of life with one another. We help, encourage, and support each other as we discover and enjoy life in its many different aspects and interests. The Gospel, however, encourages us to seek the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price—the Kingdom of God—which, according to the parables that Jesus presents, is more precious than anything else in this world. It is worth giving up everything we possess in order to gain it. It is the treasure of hope, joy, and true happiness found in the very person of Christ, who assures us that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Like Solomon in this week’s reading, let us earnestly pray for God’s wisdom — an understanding heart that helps us listen deeply so to lead and guide one another to search and find the true treasure of the Kingdom of God in Jesus.

by Fr Sang Ho