July 26, 2026
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52

Today is the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The passage from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew presents us with three parables spoken by Jesus. I would like to take this opportunity to offer some reflections.

First, Jesus says: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field” (cf. Matthew 13:44). Clearly, Jesus wants to reveal to us a set of values different from those followed by the people of today. The values of the world are a culture of instant gratification, where people crave to accumulate more possessions in this passing world, because in their eyes, these accumulated possessions can bring them a greater sense of security. However, Jesus asks us not to store up more treasures in this perishable world. Instead, guided by the inspiration and light of the Holy Spirit, we are to recognize the hidden Kingdom of Heaven—a Kingdom composed of a God who loves humanity and humans who are loved by God.

Next, Jesus says: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls” (cf. Matthew 13:45). This reminds me of the world we live in today. People living in this changing world often seek various kinds of wisdom from perishable human beings. Human wisdom can make people good, but it can also lead them to evil. Jesus uses pearls as a metaphor for the wisdom of the Kingdom. The wisdom of the Kingdom always leads people to every good, restoring the beauty of those who have become disfigured by sin to the original beauty of humanity created by God in His own image.

Finally, Jesus says: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind” (cf. Matthew 13:47). This brings to mind the Catholicity (universality) of the Church. We know that a net can hold everything; it gathers fish as well as all kinds of weeds and mud. Similarly, in the beginning, our Church was composed only of Jews. But with the impetus of the Holy Spirit, Gentiles began to appear in our midst. Furthermore, as the Holy Spirit continued to guide, the Church gradually expanded throughout the world. It embraces people of all professions, languages, skin colors, living environments, and educational backgrounds. Yet, they remain in communion with the Successor of the Apostle Peter, as well as with the Successors of the Apostles who are in communion with him. When we come to church, we can witness this Catholicity.

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