The Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026
July 26, 2026
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Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 145; Romans
8:35-39; Matthew 14:13-21
You cannot get a more admirable answer than Solomon gave
when he was asked in a dream: for what do you wish? An understanding heart.
Wow. That passage always moves me. I want that for myself – a heart so wise and
understanding. I want the type of heart that seeks to understand so that my
reflections are laced with mercy. I want this in my leaders too, and when our
leaders are not acting with this warm pastoral care that shows concern for all
peoples, I pray that their hearts be opened to conversion. Each of us has
several metanoias in our lifetime, and I pray that our leaders and elected
officials may have this experience.
Why is this wisdom elusive? The human heart is the place
where God wants to dwell. Often when people move into roles of authority, they
seek to guarantee stability and power for themselves, and they lose sight of
the wisdom of Solomon. It is far too easy to build a foundation built upon
pride and self-sufficiency, which has the consequence of sacrificing human
dignity. We cannot lose sight of our fundamental humanity and our need to
connect with one another.
In Pope Leo’s encyclical, he asks us to adopt Solomon’s
plea for wisdom. He asks us to rebuild relationships, especially those who take
on opposite positions. It is time to rebuild a civilization based on love and
create places of communion. Our church is evolving rapidly, and it is leaving
behind an orthodoxy that prized uniformity. It asks our pastoral leaders to
listen to the concrete concerns of the people, to share responsibility, and to
respect distinct gifts. We can see how diversity can be transformed into a
vital resource that builds the common good. Every person has to assume one’s
own role in forming this church. Sometimes, we have to teach a priest what it
means to serve the people’s needs. The priest, knowing that the church belongs
to the People of God, will listen and foster dialogue to build the common
ground.
Jesus tells us the parable of the treasure in the field.
When one recognizes the pearl of great price, the person gives us one’s effort
to hold onto it and keep it safeguarded. What is my spin on this pearl? It is
in knowing that God radically loves you and desires you. It is in having a
personal felt experience of God’s care for you – a knowledge of the heart that
endures, a knowledge that you treasure at all costs. It is the wisdom that we
carry in our hearts – a wisdom of understanding and compassion. It is a quiet
gratitude for the blessings that you have, even in the midst of conflict and
suffering. It is the assurance that Christ walks with you daily and that you
are guided by the Spirit to bring more love to the world. Do you know this
presence? Do you believe you are loved, that you are lovable, that you are
worthy of God’s presence within you? Even if you do not yet fully trust it, I
know how profoundly you are cherished.
Wonder. Admiration. Astonishment. Hold onto these moments.
As God gazes upon you, I can only imagine this is how God feels about you.
God’s great desire is to dwell in the human heart and bring it understanding,
mercy, and wisdom.
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