FINDING GOD'S TREASURE IN YOUNG ADULTHOOD!

Lady Emilie Gannyi

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Jesus said to his disciples: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure..." (Mt. 13:44-52)

In Matthew 13:44-52, Jesus talks about the kingdom of heaven through different parables: a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, and a fishing net. Reading these verses as a young adult woman really makes me think about what I value most in my life and what I am willing to sacrifice for things that truly matter.

The first parable about the treasure hidden in a field stands out to me because it reminds me how easy it is to overlook the blessings and purpose God has placed around me. The man in the story finds something so valuable that he joyfully sells everything he has just to obtain it. That kind of passion and certainty is inspiring. As a young woman trying to figure out adulthood, career goals, relationships, and faith, I often find myself distracted by things society says are important: money, appearance, social media attention, or the pressure to have everything figured out. But Jesus reminds me that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than all of those temporary things. It challenges me to ask myself if I am truly putting God first or allowing worldly desires to take priority.

The parable of the pearl also speaks to me deeply because pearls are created through pressure and irritation. In a way, I feel like young adulthood can be similar. There are moments of uncertainty, heartbreak, stress, and disappointment that shape who I become. Sometimes I question why difficult seasons happen, but this passage reminds me that something beautiful can come out of struggle. The merchant recognized the pearl’s value immediately and gave up everything for it. That makes me think about whether I trust God enough to let go of comfort and control to pursue the life He has planned for me.

I also notice how both men in the parables act immediately after finding something valuable. They do not hesitate. That part convicts me because I know there are times when I delay doing what God calls me to do out of fear or insecurity. I sometimes compare myself to others and feel pressure to meet certain expectations before stepping fully into my purpose. But these parables remind me that when we truly encounter God, our response should be wholehearted and courageous.

The parable of the fishing net brings a different perspective because it talks about judgment and separation between good and evil. This section reminds me that faith is not just about saying I believe in God; it is also about how I live daily. It challenges me to think about my choices, my character, and the example I set for others. In a world where it is easy to compromise values to fit in, Jesus reminds me that my relationship with Him should shape my actions. I realize that God sees beyond appearances and looks at the condition of the heart.

Finally, when Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these teachings, I think about how faith is a lifelong journey of learning. I may not fully understand everything God is doing in my life right now, but I trust that He is teaching and guiding me through every experience. These parables encourage me to treasure my relationship with God above anything else and to live with faith, purpose, and intentionality.

Overall, Matthew 13:44-52 reminds me that the kingdom of heaven is not something ordinary or secondary. It is priceless. As a young adult woman navigating life, this passage encourages me to stop chasing temporary things and instead pursue a deeper relationship with God, knowing that what He offers is worth more than anything the world can give.

Author: Lady Emilie Gannyi

St. Monica Court #347, Chicago, Illinois

Clara Ann Martin Chapter 39, Gary, Indiana

Church ministries and Organizations/ Club affiliation:

•        Saint Josephine Bakhita (SJB) Parish Member

•        Member of the SJB Parish Council

•        Acolyte

•        Extraordinary minister of communion

•        Member of the SJB Social Justice Committee

•        Vice Grand Lady, St. Monica Court 347

•        Faithful Scribe, Clara Ann Martin Chapter #39

•        3rd Vice President of the SJB Women’s Club

•        Member of the SJB Latin Club

•        Member of SJB Technology Committee

•        Member of SJB Praise Dance Ministry

•        Member of SJB Young Adult Ministry

Short Bio:

 Emilie Gannyi is a faith-driven young leader, creative spirit, and compassionate community advocate based in Chicago. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and inspired by her experiences as a Claver, she is passionate about service, leadership, and uplifting others through meaningful community engagement. Emilie brings warmth and intentionality into everything she does, from organizing events focused on Black maternal health to supporting charitable initiatives and faith-based organizations.

Professionally, Emilie has a strong background in customer service, fraud prevention, quality assurance, and tech coordination, with experience working in bilingual English and French environments.

Outside of work and service, Emilie enjoys reading, crocheting, and expressing her creativity through thoughtful writing, healing-centered content, and artistic projects. Known for her caring nature and eye for beauty, she values authenticity, growth, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.