Thy Will Be Done

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.

The Greatest Treasure

    

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 July 2023

 

First Reading: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-30

Second Reading: Rom 8:28-30

Gospel: Mt 13:44-52

 

Reflection

By: Theresa B. Manio

 

Lord, I love your commands.

What treasures do you have right now? What is the most important treasure among them? Is it money, power, fame, or a loving relationship? Personally, I think there is nothing wrong in pursuing those things because just like any other treasure you can use it to improve your life and the life of the people around you. However, too much struggle to obtain these things on a timeline we set for ourselves, would often lead to disappointments, in worse cases, later we realized that we have been pursuing the wrong goals. Then, we go back to the starting point, what is the most important treasure that I should be seeking?

The thrill of the search gives us a purpose, providing us a reason to wake up the next morning knowing that we have something to look for, although, on a certain level, it gets tiring later on. What is the most important treasure that I should be seeking? Perhaps, for the grad-waiting youth today, who will venture out, leave their comfort zones, their excitement is also filled with existential questions. What will happen to me after this? Is a life focused on avoiding pain a worthwhile life? What lies after all this search?

In the Gospel today, the three kingdom parables were discussed, namely, the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, and the fishing net. They all speak of what truly matters in this life, the Kingdom of God, our relationship with the Creator. Thus, we should prioritize this and the rest falls secondary. That we are willing to let go of all that we have and rest our mind into just doing His commands. For if we trust God, we believe that all graces and provisions are for our best interests.

Then Jesus asks, "Do you understand all these things?". If we say "yes" then it is time for us to alter our goals and priorities. The thrill of the chase is in finding out, what more can I do to be a good servant? The Gospel reminds us to spend time in prayer, for in there, we can communicate with God. Instead of spending more money buying expensive items and going to luxurious meals, why not look in the next neighbor who cannot afford even one decent meal? Having more doesn't equate to acquiring more but rather into giving more. Try it, happiness and contentment feels different that way. God alone can give us the peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27). There is always great joy in seeking and finding God.

Prayer

Saint Ignatius' Prayer for Generosity

Dearest Lord,

Teach me to be generous

Teach me to serve You as I should

To give and not to count the cost

To fight and not to heed the wounds

To toil and not to seek for rest

To labor and ask not for reward

Save that of knowing that I do Your Most Holy Will.

Amen.