Seventeenth Sunday of the Year July 26, 2026
1 Kings 3:5.7-12 Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13:44-52
A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. "Master, I wish to become your disciple," said the man. "Why?" replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment and said: "Because I want to find God." The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water. After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke. "Tell me, what you wanted most of all when you were under water." "Air!" answered the man. "Very well," said the master. "Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air."
This striking story teaches us that the greatest treasures in life are found only by those who seek them with their whole heart. Half-hearted searching never discovers life's deepest treasures. Today’s readings invite us to ask ourselves what we truly desire. What is the greatest treasure of our lives? What occupies our hearts? What are we willing to sacrifice to obtain?
In the first reading from the First Book of Kings, young King Solomon stands before God in a dream. God gives him an extraordinary opportunity. He can ask for anything he wants. He could have asked for wealth, military power, long life, fame, or victory over his enemies. Instead, Solomon asks for an understanding heart and the wisdom to govern God's people well.
God is pleased with Solomon's request because he sought not personal advantage but the wisdom to do God's will. Therefore, God not only grants him wisdom but also blesses him in many other ways.
This reading teaches us that true wisdom begins when we place God above everything else. Many people spend their lives chasing wealth, success, influence, or recognition. These things have their place, but they cannot satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart. Solomon understood that if he possessed God's wisdom, everything else would find its proper place.
Today we are surrounded by endless choices and constant distractions. We often pray for success, comfort, or solutions to our problems. Solomon reminds us to pray first for wisdom, because wisdom enables us to choose what truly matters.
In the second reading, St Paul offers one of the most comforting promises in Scripture. He says, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.” This does not mean that every event in life is good. Suffering, illness, loss, and disappointment are real. But it does mean that God is able to bring good even out of painful experiences.
Looking back over our own lives, many of us can recognize moments that seemed meaningless or painful at the time but later became occasions of growth, maturity, or unexpected blessings. St Paul reminds us that God's plan is always greater than our understanding. His providence is constantly at work, even when we cannot see it. Those who trust Him discover that He never wastes our joys or our sorrows.
The Gospel presents three short parables that all point to one central truth. The Kingdom of Heaven is the greatest treasure a person can ever possess.
Jesus speaks first about a treasure hidden in a field. A man discovers it and, filled with joy, sells everything he owns in order to buy that field. Then Jesus tells of a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds one pearl of great value, he sells everything to obtain it.
Both men recognize something priceless. They gladly give up lesser possessions because they have found something infinitely greater. The Kingdom of God is like that treasure. A living relationship with Christ is worth more than anything this world can offer. Yet we often spend our lives pursuing temporary things while neglecting what is eternal.
Jesus does not say that the treasure is obtained cheaply. Both men had to let go of everything else. Every disciple must make choices. Sometimes following Christ requires giving up habits, ambitions, attachments, or comforts that keep us from fully belonging to Him.
The final parable speaks about a fishing net gathering fish of every kind. At the end, the good fish are separated from the bad. Jesus reminds us that life involves responsibility. One day every person will stand before God. Therefore, discovering the Kingdom is not enough. We must also live according to its values.
The Gospel challenges us to examine our priorities. What treasure are we seeking? Is God truly the center of our lives, or has something else taken His place?
There are three important life messages for us today.
First, seek God above everything else. Like Solomon, ask first for wisdom and a heart that desires God's will more than worldly success.
Second, trust God's providence. Even in moments of suffering and uncertainty, believe that God is working for your ultimate good.
Third, be willing to let go of lesser things in order to gain the greatest treasure. Nothing compares to a life lived in friendship with Christ.
As we conclude, let us return to the story of the young man and the hermit. Under the water, the young man desired only one thing. Nothing else mattered except air. The hermit wanted him to understand that finding God requires that same intensity of desire.
The readings today teach precisely this lesson. Solomon desired wisdom more than riches. The man who found the treasure gladly gave up everything for it. The merchant sold all he possessed for the pearl of great price. They recognized what was truly valuable.
The challenge before us is simple but profound. What do we desire most? Many things compete for our attention, our energy, and our hearts. Yet only God can satisfy the deepest longing within us.
When God becomes our greatest treasure, everything else finds its proper place. Success no longer defines us. Possessions no longer control us. Difficulties no longer destroy our hope. We discover the joy of those who have found the pearl of great price.
May we seek the Lord with all our heart, desire Him above every earthly treasure, and never allow anything to take His place in our lives. For those who truly find God have discovered the one treasure that can never be lost.
Happy Sunday
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