Just now we heard three beautiful readings that speak about true treasure. Our first reading begins with an extraordinary opportunity. God says to Solomon, “Ask what I should give you.” In many ways, our own lives are filled with opportunities and blessings from God. Sometimes we recognise them, and sometimes we do not. But imagine if God appeared to you today and said, “Ask what I should give you.” What would your answer be?

It is an interesting question. In a sense, every new day that God gives us is his way of saying, “Ask what I should give you.”

After the death of the great King David, his son Solomon was chosen to become king. Solomon knew his limitations. He was young and inexperienced in leadership, so he turned to the only one who would never fail him—God. He went to the holy place at Gibeon to offer sacrifices and to pray for guidance as he began his reign. It is at this point that our first reading begins. When Solomon went looking for God, he discovered that God was already waiting for him. This reminds us that whenever we seek God, he is already there to meet us.

Solomon began his reign by putting God first. Whenever we begin something new, a new job, a promotion, a new appointment, or a new stage of life, we are invited to follow Solomon’s example. We are called to build our lives on the firm foundation of God, making him the source of every blessing we receive: our health, our family, our work, and all that we have.

In today’s reading, God gives Solomon the opportunity to ask for anything he desires. Like many people then and now, he could have asked for riches, power, fame, or success. But he did not. Solomon understood that these things are temporary and can easily pass away. Instead, he asked for something lasting, an understanding heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between good and evil. By asking for wisdom, Solomon was, in a sense, asking for God himself, the source of all wisdom and understanding. He entrusted himself completely to God and allowed God to transform his ordinary life into an extraordinary one.

When we look at Solomon’s life, we see that because he put God first, he was also blessed with riches, honour, and influence. That is often God’s way. When we seek God and his kingdom above everything else, God gives us himself, the greatest treasure of all, and he also provides what we truly need. As St Paul reminds us in our second reading, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” God is always working for our good, even when we cannot immediately see it.

Throughout Solomon’s life, God became his hidden treasure. By placing God at the centre of his life, Solomon discovered that the greatest blessing was not wealth or power, but a close relationship with the Lord, who filled his life with wisdom, purpose, and grace.

When we come to today’s Gospel, we see that Jesus uses a series of parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven—the true treasure. Whenever I read this passage, I ask myself, why did Jesus use several parables to explain the Kingdom of Heaven?

Jesus used several short parables because the Kingdom of Heaven is too wonderful and too rich to be explained by just one story. He taught farmers, fishermen, merchants, homemakers, and labourers. By using familiar examples from everyday life, he ensured that people from every background could recognise something they knew and understand God’s truth. Jesus never wanted anyone to miss the message he came to proclaim. He knew that no single story could fully capture the richness and depth of God’s Kingdom. Each parable reveals a different aspect of it—its growth, its hidden power, its priceless value. Together they help us understand that knowing Christ is the greatest treasure anyone can ever find.

The Kingdom of God is experienced differently in every person’s life. Some discover it unexpectedly, like the man who found treasure hidden in a field. Others seek it deliberately, like the merchant searching for fine pearls. Jesus shows us that God calls people through different journeys, but the response is always the same: the Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything.

Jesus says, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.”

This parable tells of a man who discovered something precious, not because he was looking for it, but while simply going about his daily work. This reminds us that God often meets us in the ordinary moments of life.

When Jesus called his disciples, they were all engaged in their everyday work. Peter and Andrew were casting their nets into the sea. Matthew was sitting at the tax collector’s booth. Jesus found each of them faithfully carrying out their daily responsibilities before calling them to follow him. In the same way, the Kingdom of God is often discovered as we faithfully live out our ordinary lives.

When we read about the lives of the saints, we see the same pattern.

St Paul was travelling to Damascus when he encountered the risen Christ.

Saint Hugh of Lincoln faithfully served as a monk, carrying out the ordinary duties of community life before God called him to become Bishop of Lincoln.

Mother Teresa was serving as a teacher and headmistress at St Mary’s School in Calcutta when she received God’s call to a new mission.

There is an ancient saying, often attributed to Jesus:

“Raise the stone, and you will find me; split the wood, and I am there.”

Whether a mason is working with stone, a carpenter is working with wood, or anyone is carrying out their daily work, Christ is present. When our work, whether paid or unpaid, is done honestly, selflessly, and faithfully, we can discover true happiness, deep fulfilment, and the presence of God’s Kingdom. Work takes many forms and does not always bring a financial reward, but it can always become a place where we encounter God.

Mothers can discover the treasure of God’s Kingdom as they lovingly care for and nurture their children.

Partners, Husbands and wives can discover the joy of Christ as they patiently love, forgive, and support one another despite each other’s weaknesses.

Children can discover the Kingdom of God by honouring their parents and faithfully carrying out their own responsibilities.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, always remember this: every event in our lives, whether great or small, can become a parable through which God speaks to us. The art of Christian living is to recognise God’s voice in the ordinary events of each day.

So today, let us ask God for the wisdom of Solomon so that we may recognise the hidden treasure of his Kingdom in our daily lives. May we discover Christ in our work, our relationships, our joys, and even our struggles, and may we treasure him above everything else.

Amen.

Readings: 1 Kings 3.5-12, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Preacher: Rev’d Saji Dominic

Location: St John’s Church Peterborough UK