The Radiant Face, the Treasure that Endures: July 30, 2025

The Psalm reminds us: “The Lord has revealed His justice to the nations.” And how has He done that? Through simple people. Through fragile communities. Through brothers who try to live the Gospel together. That is our mission — to reveal, through our common life and our preaching, the justice and mercy of God.

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The Radiant Face, the Treasure that Endures

“Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
(Matthew 13:44)

Homily for July 30, 2025
Readings: Exodus 34:29–35 | Psalm 98 | Matthew 13:44–46
General Chapter of Priors Provincial – Kraków

Dear brothers and Sisters,
As brothers we are gathered here in fraternity at Kraków for this General Chapter, the readings of today come to us with a beautiful but strong message. The readings remind us who we are — not only as friars and leaders, but as men who are continually being shaped by God.

In the first reading from the Book of Exodus, we see that Moses comes down from the mountain, and something remarkable has happened: his face was shining. But he doesn’t even know it. The people see it. The radiance came out not from his of own effort, but as he has spent time in the presence of God that why his face has been brightened.

This is a powerful image for us — especially during a General Chapter. We do not come here to impose our ideas or our agendas. We have come to listen — first to God, and then to one another. And when we do this job sincerely, this would bring some changes in us. We may not see it right away, but others will notice: a greater peace, a deeper wisdom, a clearer joy.

We are called, like Moses, to be the men who carry God’s presence back to our community of friars — not just decisions or documents, but something that radiates hope and light. And this comes not from control, but from communion with God.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us two small parables — the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price. These speak directly to our hearts. Both men — the one who finds the treasure and the one who finds the pearl — are filled with joy. And out of that joy, they are ready to sell everything that they possess so that they may something richer that they have.

This is a clear image of the Kingdom of God. But it’s also an image of our own vocation. Each one of us — at some point — gave up something to follow Christ in the Dominican way. We found the treasure, and we said yes.

But this Gospel asks us: Do we still recognize the treasure? After many years of ministry, leadership, and responsibility — has the joy remained?

This Chapter is a moment of rediscovery — to recognize again what is most essential, most beautiful, and most life-giving about our vocation and our mission. We are not here to defend our structures or protect comforts. We are here to seek again the pearl of great price — the preaching of the Gospel, the building up of the community of brothers where Jesus is present, to preach the TRUTH “Veritas” and to take care of souls.

Are we, like Moses, who spend time in God’s presence, so that we may return to our provinces refresh in vigour and carrying His light?
Are we, like the man in the Gospel, recognizing again the treasure we once found, when we said yes to our call — and renew our willingness to give everything away to receive it.
And, let us we take with us from the Chapter not just documents and decisions, but real happiness as St. Dominic and his early companion use to return home after preaching to the Albigenses so are we really rediscovering the joy of our vocation — and helping our brothers to do the same.

Amen!

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