Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 25-26, 2026

  Using three other parables about the kingdom of heaven, today's Gospel provides accounts of joyful discovery, each character making their discoveries in familiar places: A man finds treasure in his field, a merchant of pearls finds a unique pearl, and fishermen find themselves with nets so full of fish that they need to throw some back. Jesus announces that the kingdom of heaven is in our midst, but he also announces the consequences of those who reject it. Even so, the Father consistently promises and offers his abundant mercy and forgiveness; his recompense is true love and the freedom to love and care for others unconditionally. Such was the case with Solomon in the first reading, who was rewarded with many blessings because he did not ask for wealth or power, but sim- ply for the wisdom of God. The parables of the kingdom, presented in segments as the Gospel texts for previous Sundays, must be seen as a whole for the overall preparation of homilies, commentaries, prayers of the faithful, and even the liturgical music. Doing so teaches us that in listening to the word proclaimed, the seeds of God's love flourish in our hearts. But only hearts open to receive the message can share in its joy.

(This reflection is from www.liturgy.com subscription service)