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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhenever we reflect on the meaning of time and the patience required for the Kingdom of God to grow, many are tempted to fall into a quiet form of spiritual complacency. They imagine that all they need to do is let life unfold on its own, trusting that, in the end, everything will somehow work itself out. Yet Christ reveals a very different attitude. He knows the burden of our human frailty. He understands how slowly we advance on the path of discipleship and how often we must begin again. Nevertheless, His loving acceptance of our weakness is inseparable from His ardent desire to see us respond to His call without delay. With holy urgency, He invites His disciples to set out at once. If the journey is long, that is all the more reason to make today the decisive choice for the Kingdom. Our failures, our moments of hesitation, and our pauses along the way must never lead us to abandon that choice. This is the pressing invitation the Lord extends to us this Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first reading, taken from the First Book of Kings (3:5, 7\u201312), beautifully illustrates this radical decision. Having just ascended the throne of Israel, King Solomon is visited by God in a dream and invited to ask for whatever he desires. Rather than seeking riches, a long life, or victory over his enemies, Solomon asks for \u201can understanding heart.\u201d Such humility delights the Lord, who grants him the wisdom to discern good from evil, together with every other blessing besides. This passage gently invites us to examine our own prayer: Do we truly seek God’s will above all else? Psalm 119 echoes the same longing, celebrating the beauty of God’s Word and His law. The psalmist proclaims that the Lord’s commandments are worth more than gold or silver, for His Word is a gift that safeguards our lives and leads us to authentic wisdom and lasting joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Paul, writing to the Romans (8:28\u201330), deepens this message by reminding us that \u201call things work together for good for those who love God.\u201d Indeed, God’s love is the hidden treasure that always goes before us and faithfully accompanies us throughout our lives. Even more, Paul reveals the glorious destiny prepared for us: that we may be \u201cconformed to the image of His Son.\u201d This is the true purpose of every Christian journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the Gospel according to Saint Matthew (13:44\u201352) invites us to contemplate the incomparable beauty of the Kingdom through the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Their message is unmistakable: discovering the Kingdom demands a wholehearted and radical response. The man who finds the treasure, like the merchant who discovers the pearl, joyfully sells everything he owns in order to possess it. So, it is with those who encounter Christ. Once we have discovered the infinite worth of His Gospel, everything else finds its proper place. Such a discovery calls for discernment, generosity of heart, and the courage to let go of whatever prevents us from following Him more faithfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How often we hesitate before giving ourselves completely to God. Today, let us ask Him for the grace to direct our lives wholeheartedly toward Him. Then, despite our weaknesses and limitations, we shall continue our pilgrimage with renewed perseverance and hope, confident that the One who has called us is leading us toward the fullness of true and eternal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sr. Nathalie Dossou<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vicariate of Saint Francisco Coll<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whenever we reflect on the meaning of time and the patience required for the Kingdom of God to grow, many are tempted to fall into a quiet form of spiritual complacency. They imagine that all they need to do is let life unfold on its own, trusting that, in the end, everything will somehow work … Continue reading 17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – July 26, 2026<\/span> <\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n