July 27, 2026
Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

Today is Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time. The passage from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew continues with Jesus’ parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us continue our reflection.

First, Jesus says: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches” (cf. Matthew 13:31-32). The seed of the Kingdom of God mentioned by Jesus is His Holy Word. His Holy Word seems extremely small in the world, and very few people hear it. However, for those who listen to the Holy Word of God and act according to the teachings of the Savior, this Holy Word sprouts and grows in their hearts. The Holy Spirit Himself waters them, enabling it to continually grow in this world, thus forming the Kingdom of God which coexists with the world. When people are in the church, they can clearly see that those who come and go in the church contemplate God there, find ways to draw near to Him, and converse with Him. At that time, the church is like the large bush mentioned in the Gospel, welcoming all who seek the Holy Word of God.

Next, Jesus says: “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened” (cf. Matthew 13:33). This fully demonstrates the relationship between Christians and the world. In this perishable world, Christians are often a minority. Those who, guided by the Holy Spirit, correctly understand the Holy Word of God are like the yeast that leavens the dough. Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in the manner, He shows them, they manifest God’s mercy and compassion to the world. Those who, moved by their preaching, resolve to receive the Baptism of Christ and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and who resolve to remain always in communion with the Successor of the Apostle Peter, and even more so with the Successors of the Apostles who are in communion with him, are like the leavened dough, transformed by the Holy Word of God.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord! We have all received the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ and belong to Him. Therefore, let us follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In our daily lives, let us actively embrace and welcome those who interact with us, just as the mustard tree welcomes the birds of the sky to rest on its branches. Like yeast, let us become a catalyst for the harmonious coexistence of all humanity, so that through all that we do, people of the world may, together with us, courageously renounce all their selfish desires and disordered passions, entrust themselves to God, dedicate their lives, generously fulfill the holy will of God, and accomplish the vocation bestowed upon each of them by God.

O God, protector of those who hope in you, without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica