Treasures of Healing and Humility

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time and World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, challenge us to look into our heritage for the gifts of patience, humility, and charity that are the treasures that have brought healing and hope.

The Reading from the First Book (1 Kings, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.) of Kings presents the Early Promise of Solomon’s Reign.

* [3:1–15] The third major unit of the Solomon story depicts the bright beginning of his reign. It includes the narrator’s remarks about Solomon’s marriage and his building projects, and a divine appearance to Solomon. Compare 11:1–13, where the same themes recur, but in negative fashion. The story of the divine appearance is told also in 2 Chr 1:1–13. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 119 praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by.

* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them. Several expected elements do not appear in the Psalm: Mount Sinai with its story of God’s revelation and gift to Israel of instruction and commandments, the Temple and other institutions related to revelation and laws (frequent in other Psalms). The Psalm is fascinated with God’s word directing and guiding human life. (Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans proclaims God’s Indomitable Love in Christ.

* [8:28–30] These verses outline the Christian vocation as it was designed by God: to be conformed to the image of his Son, who is to be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29). God’s redemptive action on behalf of the believers has been in process before the beginning of the world. Those whom God chooses are those he foreknew (Rom 8:29) or elected. Those who are called (Rom 8:30) are predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Rather, Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian’s salvation.

* [8:28] We know that all things work for good for those who love God: a few ancient authorities have God as the subject of the verb, and some translators render: “We know that God makes everything work for good for those who love God….”

* [8:29] Image: while man and woman were originally created in God’s image (Gn 1:26–27), it is through baptism into Christ, the image of God (2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), that we are renewed according to the image of the Creator (Col 3:10). (Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches more Parables and praises Treasures New and Old.

* [13:44–50] The first two of the last three parables of the discourse have the same point. The person who finds a buried treasure and the merchant who finds a pearl of great price sell all that they have to acquire these finds; similarly, the one who understands the supreme value of the kingdom gives up whatever he must to obtain it. The joy with which this is done is made explicit in the first parable, but it may be presumed in the second also. The concluding parable of the fishnet resembles the explanation of the parable of the weeds with its stress upon the final exclusion of evil persons from the kingdom.

* [13:44] In the unsettled conditions of Palestine in Jesus’ time, it was not unusual to guard valuables by burying them in the ground.

* [13:51] Matthew typically speaks of the understanding of the disciples.

* [13:52] Since Matthew tends to identify the disciples and the Twelve (see note on Mt 10:1), this saying about the Christian scribe cannot be taken as applicable to all who accept the message of Jesus. While the Twelve are in many ways representative of all who believe in him, they are also distinguished from them in certain respects. The church of Matthew has leaders among whom are a group designated as “scribes” (Mt 23:34). Like the scribes of Israel, they are teachers. It is the Twelve and these their later counterparts to whom this verse applies. The scribe…instructed in the kingdom of heaven knows both the teaching of Jesus (the new) and the law and prophets (the old) and provides in his own teaching both the new and the old as interpreted and fulfilled by the new. On the translation head of a household (for the same Greek word translated householder in Mt 13:27), see note on Mt 24:45–51. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Candice Tucci, OSF,  asks What is this pearl of great price or the treasure in the field?

I was walking up the hill to what is known as Merton’s Heart. It is a clearing on the hillside in the shape of a heart where Thomas Merton would go. Perhaps he went to pray, write, reflect or just enjoy the beauty of the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. While climbing to “the heart”, I found an eagle feather. My heart leapt as this sacred feather was a gift, a treasure in a field, that united me with the love and presence of God. For Native Americans, the eagle, waŋblíin (in the Lakota language) is a sacred messenger of Wakáŋ Táŋka (the Great Spirit) symbolizing the virtues of courage, strength, wisdom, and gifted with spiritual power.  It was 44 years ago I found this treasure in a field. I still have it. A gift given to me from our Creator. It is a symbol and always a reminder to me of my union with God, Jesus, the Spirit, who dwells within me.  Jesus has been my partner in life and ministry. We have walked the sacred path, the road of, in and to the Kingdom of God together. We continue to walk, as Black Elk, Sioux spiritual elder wrote, in a sacred manner.
 

Have you found the treasure that is yours forever? The Holy, Sacred Divine Kingdom?  Go deep into your heart. There the love of our Creator, in Christ and the Spirit, Wisdom, is waiting to be found. We seek the treasure and God finds us. We are God’s people, citizens of the kingdom of God. May we be attentive to this kingdom at hand and within us. It is for everyone and for us to nurture it.  It is for both the old and the new. May we be a civilization of love. May we know Wisdom. May we be heaven on earth!
Welcome to the kingdom! What a treasure!
Thank you, God!
A song for praying: I Found a Treasure - Dan Schutte (Tucci, 2026)
 

The Surpassing Treasure of God's Kingdom

Don Schwager quotes “The surpassing gift of love,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is said to be like a merchant who is seeking fine pearls. He finds one really precious pearl, and, having found it, he sells everything he has in order to buy it. In the same way, he who has a clear knowledge of the sweetness of heavenly life gladly leaves behind all the things he loved on earth. Compared with that pearl, everything else fades in value. He forsakes those things that he has and scatters those things that he has gathered. His heart yearns for heavenly things, and nothing on earth pleases him. The allure of earthly things has now dissipated, for only the brilliance of that precious pearl dazzles his mind. Solomon justly says of such love, 'Love is strong as death' (Song of Solomon 8:6 ), because just as death destroys the body, so ardent desire for eternal life cuts off the love for material things. For love makes insensitive to extraneous earthly desires the person whom it has swept off his feet." (excerpt from FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 11.2.1)(Schwager, n.d.)

Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use - please cite:  copyright © 2026 Servants of the Word, source:  dailyscripture.net, author Don Schwager.

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the Readings for today.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 13:44-52 comments that we need to see Jesus’ teachings and his acts of healing and mercy in the light of God’s centuries-long covenant relationship with the people of Israel.

Christianity didn’t come from nowhere. It is a living outgrowth of everything that came before in God’s relationship with mankind, especially with Israel. If you want to see the richness of God’s plan, pay attention to the Old Testament! Matthew’s Gospel is a great resource. Keep your eyes open for the times when Jesus fulfills something that has been promised. Spend time praying with those passages. And become like a “scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven” by putting together the old and the new (Matthew 13:52).

“Jesus, I want to know the richness of all that you’ve done for me and for all people!” (Meditation on Matthew 13:44-52, n.d.)

In Love with Scripture

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recalls how he first fell in love with Scripture and devoted himself to its study. Reading the Bible, we can recognize how true it is that only those who know their need for the Beloved know how to receive the gift of the Beloved without misusing such love. 

A mutually admitted emptiness is the ultimate safety net for all love, and in the Scriptures, even God is presented as somehow “needing” us, and even “jealous” for our love (Exodus 20:5; 34:14). Basically, love works only inside humility. My father, Saint Francis, fell in love with the “humility” of God, as exemplified through Jesus, a word that most of us would not even think could apply to God.

Fullness or complete self-satisfaction in a person cannot permit love because there are no openings, no give-and-take, and no deep hunger. It is like trying to attach two inflated balloons to one another. Human vulnerability gives the soul an immense head start on its travels—maybe the only start for any true spiritual journey. Thus, the Risen Christ starts us off by revealing the human wounds of God, God’s solidarity with human suffering. God begins with self-disclosure from the divine side, which ideally leads to self-disclosure from our side. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the inspiration of the Spirit to ponder the healing of love and care we receive from Grandparents and the Elderly who share wisdom and understanding that shows how God turns all things to good through Love.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13?44 

Meditation on Matthew 13:44-52. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/26/1631380/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/3? 

Psalms, PSALM 119 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). In Love with Scripture. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Surpassing Treasure of God's Kingdom. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Tucci, C. (2026, July 26). Daily Reflection July 26, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-26-2026 

Committed to Journey in Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge and reassure us that Love is the essential element in our journey to full life.

The Narrow Gate

The Reading From the Letter of Paul to the Romans declares God’s Indomitable Love in Christ.

* [8:28–30] These verses outline the Christian vocation as it was designed by God: to be conformed to the image of his Son, who is to be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29). God’s redemptive action on behalf of the believers has been in process before the beginning of the world. Those whom God chooses are those he foreknew (Rom 8:29) or elected. Those who are called (Rom 8:30) are predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Rather, Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian’s salvation.

* [8:28] We know that all things work for good for those who love God: a few ancient authorities have God as the subject of the verb, and some translators render: “We know that God makes everything work for good for those who love God….”

* [8:29] Image: while man and woman were originally created in God’s image (Gn 1:26–27), it is through baptism into Christ, the image of God (2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), that we are renewed according to the image of the Creator (Col 3:10). (Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 13 expresses a heartfelt prayer and passes on a statement of trust,

* [Psalm 13] A typical lament, in which the psalmist feels forgotten by God (Ps 13:2–3)—note the force of the repetition of “How long.” The references to enemies may suggest some have wished evil on the psalmist. The heartfelt prayer (Ps 13:4–5) passes on a statement of trust (Ps 13:6a), intended to reinforce the prayer, and a vow to thank God when deliverance has come (Ps 13:6b). (Psalms, PSALM 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus exhorts us to choose the Narrow Door that separates Salvation and Rejection.

* [13:22–30] These sayings of Jesus follow in Luke upon the parables of the kingdom (Lk 13:18–21) and stress that great effort is required for entrance into the kingdom (Lk 13:24) and that there is an urgency to accept the present opportunity to enter because the narrow door will not remain open indefinitely (Lk 13:25). Lying behind the sayings is the rejection of Jesus and his message by his Jewish contemporaries (Lk 13:26) whose places at table in the kingdom will be taken by Gentiles from the four corners of the world (Lk 13:29). Those called last (the Gentiles) will precede those to whom the invitation to enter was first extended (the Jews). See also Lk 14:15–24. (Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Vivian Amu comments that as Jesus made his way towards Jerusalem, he took the opportunity to inform the disciples that entry into the kingdom of God is not automatic, and even just being familiar with him was not enough.

Entry requires effort, intentionality, discipline, humility, repentance, genuine sorrow over sin, and turning from it. All of these seem non-negotiable. Entry requires living a life shaped by a genuine relationship with God that makes us recognizable as bearers of hope, love, and faith – a progressive transformation into people recognizable as bearers of the nature of Christ. It is not so much as identity as it is authenticity. It is about the substance of who we are, not just what we claim to be. As I read the gospel today, I asked myself, “Would anyone know that I am a Christian if I never told them? Would anyone recognize that I am a person of faith? Is it enough to say “I believe” or “I am a Christian” while living as though that belief demands nothing? Jesus seems to be telling me today that I cannot fake my way through the gate leading to the kingdom of God. The narrow gate is not just about a destination. It is about the journey that shapes our hearts and the choices that define who we are becoming. It has always been an invitation into an intimate relationship with God who knows us very well.

Lord, help us strive forward with commitment and perseverance, not out of fear, but out of a deep love for Christ and a desire to dwell in God’s presence. (Amu, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “To enter the narrow door,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"'Wide is the door, and broad the way that brings down many to destruction.' What are we to understand by its broadness? ...A stubborn mind will not bow to the yoke of the law [the commandments of God]. This life is cursed and relaxed in all carelessness. Thrusting from it the divine law and completely unmindful of the sacred commandments, wealth, vices, scorn, pride and the empty imagination of earthly pride spring from it. Those who would enter in by the narrow door must withdraw from all these things, be with Christ and keep the festival with him."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 99) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 8:26-30 comments that as we spin on the Potter’s wheel, that is, as we try to live as his children, we will experience difficulties and sorrows that come from living in a fallen world. We will also experience joy and blessings. But whatever happens, we can rely on St. Paul’s words of assurance in today’s first reading: “All things work for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

We know that this process of God shaping us doesn’t always look good or feel good. When we face loneliness, the loss of a loved one, or a failed marriage, we might be tempted to think that God doesn’t understand (Isaiah 29:16). But we can let Paul’s words remind us—just as they reminded the Romans—that our Father is at work all the time. He is always ready to give us his grace to help us. Even in times of pressure or “trimming,” he is still kind and merciful. So let’s yield to the Potter’s hands and let him continue to form us into “the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

“Father, I trust that you are molding me as clay in your hands.” (Meditation on Romans 8:26-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments how the Spirit in Romans 8 speaks in our weakness and our call to live in union with the Father and the Son. What would Jesus say about love and acceptance that reveals who God is? God has a plan even when we mess up. Our turning away can be a source of greater intimacy. Jesus describes a narrow gate and how people will follow God only with lip service. Friar Jude notes that the Gospel of Luke declares the welcome of the Gentiles and the possible rejection of “Chosen People” who have not accepted a commitment to love and full life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the book of Sirach today and encourages us to continue the pursuit of wisdom. In our reading of 2 Maccabees, we see again the pillage of the Temple and we are re- introduced to Judas Maccabeus. Lastly, in Proverbs Fr. Mike encourages us to resist the temptation to rejoice when our enemies fall. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 5, Sirach 50-51, and Proverbs 24:17-20.

James Finley leads us through a meditation to help us experience the immediate presence and intimacy of God’s love and those who have joined God before us.

Then God, the angels, and the saints pass through the veil to join you, rendering the room radiant with communal joy and delight in which your very presence begins to glow with the presence of God. Illumined and transformed in this way, God and the angels and saints carry you with them into heaven, just on the other side of the veil, where all are dwelling who have died and crossed over into God. Then God and the angels and saints carry you with them back through the veil, back to the room, now aglow with heavenly wonder and delight. Then, once again, they transport you back into the celestial realm, and then back again into the room…. (Finley, n.d.)

We ponder the expression “8:28 it” as we seek the guidance of the Spirit to choose the “Narrow Gate” as the path to live with love and compassion.

References

Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-29-2025 

Finley, J. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-veil-of-light-and-love/ 

Luke, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/13?22 

Meditation on Romans 8:26-30. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/29/1417259/ 

Psalms, PSALM 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/13?4 

Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?26 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Not Risk Being Shut Out. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/