SUNDAY, JULY 26

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to us in parables. He tells of a treasure hidden in a field and of a merchant searching for a pearl of great price. When each man discovers what he has been seeking, he willingly gives up everything in order to possess it. Jesus concludes with the image of the net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. At the heart of these parables is a simple question. What do we truly treasure?

We live in a world filled with competing priorities. Our days are occupied with work, family responsibilities, finances, entertainment, and countless worries. Many of these things are necessary and good. Yet Jesus reminds us that there is one treasure greater than all others–the Kingdom of Heaven. To know Christ, to live in His grace, and to possess the hope of eternal life is worth more than anything this world can offfer.

In our first reading, the young King Solomon could have asked God for wealth, power, or victory over his enemies. Instead, he asks for an understanding heart so that he might discern between good and evil. God is pleased with Solomon’s request. Perhaps this should also be our prayer: Lord, give me an understanding heart. Help me to recognize what is truly important. Give me the wisdom to choose You above all things.

This weekend also provides a beautiful connection to the feast of Saints Joachim and Ann, traditionally honored as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Catholic tradition remembers them as people of faith who prepared a home in which Mary could grow in love of God. Through their quiet fidelity, they became part of God’s great plan of salvation.

Following the Masses this weekend, our parish will have the special opportunity to venerate a relic of St. Ann. As we approach the relic of St. Ann, we might especially entrust to her intercession our parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and all families. St. Ann and St. Joachim understood something of the treasure Jesus describes in today’s Gospel. The greatest legacy we can give to the next generation is not wealth or possessions, but faith–a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

May we have the wisdom of Solomon to recognize the true treasure before us, the courage to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and the faith of Saints Joachim and Ann to pass the love of Christ faithfully from one generation to the next.

Saints Joachim and Ann, pray for us!