THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OF EXTRAORDINARY VALUE - A HIDDEN TREASURE: 17TH SUNDAY OT A 2026

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OF EXTRAORDINARY VALUE - A HIDDEN TREASURE: 17TH SUNDAY OT A 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/fan_mail/new] In the readings this Sunday, get a great sense that when we believe in God, put our hope and trust in Him, then we would be like a treasure hunter who discovers and obtains the most valuable treasure,  “fine pearls” In other words, keeping a personal relationship with Jesus, remaining in a state of grace, and sharing his view of life, are the most beautiful and the most precious things in the world. That is exactly what the young King Solomon did in the first reading. He opted for the great treasure of accepting God to rule his life by doing His will. This pleased God, who rewarded him with the gift of “a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you,” In the second reading, St Paul teaches that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” This is true of all who accept a close relationship with God as their greatest treasure. And in the Gospel, using three mini-parables, Jesus teaches us that God’s Kingdom, is something of extraordinary value, like a hidden treasure. Possessing that treasure demands from us a total commitment if we are to preserve it.  Friends in Christ, we are encouraged today to live every moment in view to chase and share this treasure instead of chasing false treasures such as money, power, social status, or worldly pleasures. We will be able to keep safe the treasure of our personal relationship with Jesus by accepting him every day as our God and Savior, by allowing God to have total control over our lives through our loving obedience to His will. We pray for the grace to do this.   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/support]

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION & GOSPEL OF 16TH SUNDAY O.T. YR A PROCLAIMED BY REV PATRICK TIFU

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WHERE & WHAT ARE YOU SOWING? 16TH SUNDAY OT A JULY 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/fan_mail/new] The readings this 16th Sunday of OT Year A, tell us about a very patient, hope-filled and compassionate God Who is hopeful that the so-called “weeds” among us will be converted. The readings also warn us that we should not be in a hurry to eliminate such elements from the Church, or society, or the family, based on hasty judgment.  Rather than a punishing disciplinarian portrayed in the book of Genesis, the first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us on how lenient God is in the face of justice. God’s mercy does not mean a lack of accountability – Christ desires and commands that we love God and love our neighbor. But in his mercy, he does not condemn us for our sin but rather gives time for us to repent. St Paul in his letter to the Romans in the 2nd reading, reminds us that the Spirit of God constantly empowers us in our prayers and in our weakness. So, we should be patient with ourselves and with others. And in the Gospel, Jesus explains the Parable of the wheat and the weeds, where the Sower, God, allows the weeds and wheat, good and evil to coexist. “Let both grow together until the harvest...".  Friends, that precisely is every single one of us because in each and every one of us good and bad live together. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that in everyone the weeds of sin will be mixed with the good wheat of the gospel. Friends, this Sunday, we are challenged, to discern the thoughts and movements of our hearts. Which thoughts lead us to God, and which ones lead us away from Him. Which thoughts lead us to joy, love, peace, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control and which ones leave us with envy, anger, impatience, sarcasm, even self-indulgence and so on. We pray for the grace to be aware of which thoughts and intentions are weeds and which ones are wheat. Amen. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/support]

WHY THE WORD OF GOD DOES NOT TAKE ROOT AND BEAR FRUIT IN OUR LIVES: 15th Sunday O.T. Yr. A

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/fan_mail/new] Friends in Christ, the readings this 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invite us to think about how God’s word works in our lives.  Each reading uses simple images from the world around us. Rain, seeds, soil, and harvest all show how God’s word brings life and hope. These readings remind us that God always works with purpose. In the 1st reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear how God’s word is like rain that makes the earth fruitful.  St Paul in the 2nd reading tells us in Romans  that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the sower to teach us that our hearts must be ready to receive God’s word. These passages come together to remind us that God’s plan is certain. With open hearts, we can grow strong in faith and bear much fruit. His word nourishes us, even when life feels dry or hard.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/support]

WHO OR WHAT ARE YOU YOKED TO? 14TH SUNDAY OT A 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/fan_mail/new] Brothers and sisters on this 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, our readings invite us to reflect on the theme of humility and the gentle power of God’s love.  In the First reading from Zechariah, we are presented with a beautiful image of a king who comes to us, not in strength or military might like the world wants, but humble and riding on a donkey. The kingdom of God is different. It does not conform to worldly expectations. Instead, our King, Jesus, entered Jerusalem not to conquer with force, but to offer peace and salvation.  In today's world, where power and prestige often overshadow humility, we are reminded that God's approach calls us to embrace gentleness. The Psalm further affirms this, praising the Lord for His greatness, yet also acknowledging His kindness and compassion. Our God is not distant; He is near to all who call upon Him. He lifts up those who are bowed down and provides for those who are in need. Each of us, in our struggles and burdens, can find comfort in the tenderness of God’s love. In today’s Second Reading from the letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us that the Spirit of God dwells within us, leading us to live according to His ways. We are not called to the flesh but to a life animated by the Spirit. This is a call to transformation, inviting us to let go of our burdens and to embrace the life God has in store for us. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus extends a beautiful invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” In our busy lives, we often carry many burdens/yokes such as stress, anxiety, and the weight of our responsibilities Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/224168/support]