There is no dignity more august, no higher state, nor more valuable gift than being a child of the Holy Catholic Church.
Editorial Staff (26/7/2026, Gaudium Press) In the liturgy of this 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Holy Church exhorts us that, as true children, we should be conscious of the greatness implied by this filiation and take an interest in it just as she takes an interest in us.
Our Treasure: The Holy Church
Today, the Divine Master presents us with two parables that describe situations very characteristic of the distant eastern regions of that time, yet with such clarity that they resonate with people of every age:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man finds it, he hides it again; and then, filled with joy, he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls. When he finds one of great value, he goes and sells everything he has and buys it” (Mt 13:44-46).
If we put ourselves in the place of these men, it will not be difficult to imagine the immense joy that overwhelms them and permeates all their activities from the moment they take possession of that valuable possession. Day and night, their thoughts revolve around it. Daily trivialities recede into the background, and they do nothing without focusing their attention on the treasure they have found and do not wish to lose under any circumstances, or on the precious pearl they long to acquire. More than that: they renounce all their possessions in order to obtain what they so greatly desire.
With these examples, Our Lord Jesus Christ wishes to teach us what our attitude of soul should be toward the great treasure we received on the day of our Baptism: being children of God and of the Holy Church, a treasure more valuable than any good in Creation.
Does It Interest Us?
Therefore, it is worthwhile to ask ourselves whether our attitude is the same as that of the men in the parable who “direct” all their attention to the treasure and “sell all their possessions” in order to acquire it.
Applying this to our daily life, let us consider:
What is the nature of the intentions we place in our daily prayers? Are we concerned with the needs of the Holy Church? Do we care about making reparation for the offenses committed against her in our day? In our prayers, do we think of the other children of this Holy Mother, our brothers and sisters, who suffer every kind of persecution: both those who, in lands where Catholics are a minority, risk their lives by professing the faith, and those who, living in the world, are constantly deceived by worldly maxims that lead them to abandon their good works?
Or, on the contrary, do our intentions revolve solely around our own interests, our comforts, and our needs, neglecting the precious treasure that has been entrusted to us?
Of course, we must pray for ourselves and for our needs, and with great persistence, especially for our sanctification. However, if the Holy Church, our Mother, needs our attention, how can we neglect this duty toward her, she who so zealously provides us with everything we need for our eternal salvation?
Let Us Concern Ourselves with God’s Interests, and He Will Care for Ours
Furthermore, if we concern ourselves with the needs of God and of His Church, they will concern themselves with ours, as God tells Solomon in the first reading, after Solomon asks Him for wisdom to govern His people:
“Since you have asked for these things and have not asked for long life for yourself, nor riches, nor for the death of your enemies, but for wisdom to administer justice, I will grant your request” (1 Kings 3:11-12).
Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to obtain for us from the Holy Spirit the grace of being conscious of the invaluable treasure we possess: belonging to the Holy Church. And may our thoughts, intentions, and actions, as well as our efforts and sacrifices in daily life, be directed toward the needs of our Mother, the Holy Church.
By Nicolás Forero
The post “We Possess a Precious Treasure! – Commentary on the Sunday Gospel” appeared first on Gaudium Press Español.
