Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
26 July 2026
First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46
Reflection
By: Pietro S. Albano
“Piet, lagi mong hanapin ang kalooban ng Diyos. Lagi mong dasalin ‘Panginoon, ituro mo sa akin ang kalooban mo. Panginoon, sundin ang loob mo.” (Piet, always seek God’s will. Always pray, ‘Lord, show me your will. Lord, your will be done.) Those were my Lola Piling’s advice to me in the twilight of her life. She repeated these words to me whenever she flew to Manila. As a teenager, I was expecting she would give me tips on how to be rich and successful.
In today’s first reading, Solomon asked for an understanding mind instead of long life, riches, or the life of his enemies. God was pleased with his request and granted it. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about individuals selling everything they had to buy something of greater value. For me, my grandmother seemed to have behaved like these characters. Her priority was to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33). Wealth, prestige, etc. were secondary. Her life was characterized by prayer, family life, and works of evangelization and charity through the hospital and school she and my grandfather founded as well as their active participation in the parish.
Our readings challenge us to take a serious look at our priorities. Are these leading us closer to (or farther from) God? C.S. Lewis once wrote, "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.'" May we be counted among the former to enjoy the fulness of God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Loving Father, grant us a discerning heart to always know and do your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
