First Reading
1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
1. “Understanding” or “shema” in Hebrew means listening or obedience. How would it change race relations, immigration problems, climate crises, if leaders in the world earnestly prayed Solomon’s prayer: “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart”? What impact might “listening” have on good leadership?
2. Would anyone’s life change for the better if you had more of an understanding heart? How do you think you might improve your skills in this area?
Second Reading
Romans 8:28-30
1. The New American Bible translation is “all things work together for those who love God.” In what ways have you seen examples of this in the pandemic? People figuring out new ways to solve problems? People stepping up to serve others in hospitals and food delivery? Have you experienced it in your own life, that everything works out when you love God?
2. How have you experienced “all things work together for those who love God” in your own life?
Gospel
Matthew 13:44-52 or 44-46
1. Did the pearl-finder and the merchant have to be shrewd about obtaining their tresures? What about you? Are you shrewd about recognizing the “treasure” of the kingdom of God in your life? Do you find, or at least look for God in all things in your life? Do you notice when God is “whispering,” or just when God is “shouting” in your life?
2. What does Pope Francis say is the “Pearl of great price?” How would you rank as treasures the graces that come from this “pearl”: truth, mercy and joy?
The good news is the precious pearl of which we read in the Gospel. It is not a thing but a mission. This is evident to anyone who has experienced the “delightful and comforting joy of evangelizing” (Evangelii Gaudium, 10).
Good news. A single word—gospel—that, even as it is spoken, becomes truth, brimming with joy and mercy. We should never attempt to separate these three graces of the Gospel: its truth, which is non-negotiable; its mercy, which is unconditional and offered to all sinners; and its joy, which is personal and open to everyone. Truth, mercy and joy: these three go together.
“The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus” (ibid., 1)
Holy Chrism Mass Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis
April 13, 2017
