2026 Cycle A - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Kings 3:5,7-12 ; Psalm 119; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13: 44-52 or Matthew 13: 44-46

Homily Theme

Understanding  &  Wisdom

In the first reading this week, King Solomon is given the opportunity by God to ask for anything,  at all, and He will give it to him. What would our request be if He asked that of us today? Would you ask for riches, good health a long life? What would make you completely happy and give real meaning to your life? Solomon asked for wisdom in order to govern as King. God was pleased with his request, since he didn’t ask for selfish worldly things. God granted his selfless request and he is known for his great wisdom. In our own day, we still speak of the great wisdom of Solomon.

Have you ever been frustrated by something that you didn’t understand?  Think about how frustrated our great, great grandparents would be if they came back into our modern world of technology, coming from a world of horse and buggy, to a world of inter planetary space travel, computers, cars and television, cell phones and electricity.  Even so, there are still many people in our own day, who have great knowledge but do not have real wisdom. Our great, great, grand parents had more wisdom though since most of them knew and understood the real purpose of life.

Often little children seem to have a better grasp of the computer than their grandparents, but are these the important things about life? What is the purpose of life? If you understand that, then you have found the pearl of great price mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel today. He tells also that little children often have a greater understanding about this since it has been revealed to them at an early age. Unfortunately many lose it as they grow older.

We live in a world with billions of people who live their lives as if the here and now is all that matters. They seek riches and fame, popularity and pleasure. Many of them also claim to have religion without a true understanding of the real values of this life and its true purpose.  St. Augustine, who changed from a worldly life, gives us words of wisdom. “Our hearts were made for you Lord and they are restless until they rest in you.” There are millions today who have great knowledge and college degrees but they don’t know the purpose of life. They are clever but not wise.

The truly happy people are those who have given their lives over to God and follow His commands; they, like Solomon and Augustine, have real wisdom, because they have found their priceless pearl. They have learned to understand their real life is not here this short time on earth but with God in heaven for all eternity.