17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First Reading – 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12: God tells Solomon to ask for anything he wants. Solomon asks for wisdom to rule well. God is pleased and gives him great wisdom, more than anyone before or after him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: God’s words are more valuable than gold. His kindness brings comfort. His laws bring joy and understanding.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:28-30: God works for good in the lives of those who love Him. He calls people, makes them right with Him, and gives them glory. He shapes them to be like His Son.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:44-52: Jesus tells three short stories. The kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure or a rare pearl—so valuable that people give up everything to have it. It is also like a fishing net that catches all kinds of fish. In the end, good and bad will be separated. Jesus says wise teachers use both old and new lessons.

Lectionary Reference: 109

Upcoming dates: July 26, 2026, July 29, 2029, July 25, 2032

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on wisdom, God’s plan, and the great value of His kingdom. The readings show how people should seek what truly matters and trust in God’s guidance.

• Seeking Wisdom: Solomon asks God for wisdom instead of riches or power. This shows that true success comes from knowing right from wrong and making good choices.
• God’s Plan for Us: God works in the lives of those who love Him. He calls people, makes them right with Him, and helps them become more like His Son.
• True Treasure: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to hidden treasure and a valuable pearl. These stories teach that God’s kingdom is worth more than anything else.
• Sacrifice for What Matters: The people in Jesus’ parables give up everything to gain the treasure or pearl. This reminds believers to let go of what is less important to follow God.
• Judgment and Separation: Jesus tells a story about a fishing net catching all kinds of fish. He warns that in the end, good and bad will be separated.
• Wisdom in Teaching: Jesus says that wise teachers use both old and new lessons. This means faith should be built on past truth while still growing in new understanding.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches that God’s wisdom and kingdom are more valuable than anything else. Those who seek them will find true purpose and lasting joy.

All In! A Lesson Plan on Risking It All

This lesson plan helps teens think about what they really value in life. It uses games, stories, and reflection to encourage them to take their faith seriously. Jesus told simple stories that made people think. The ones about the treasure and the pearl are about giving everything for something truly important.

On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, we hear those same parables in the Gospel. This lesson invites young people to imagine what it means to go “all in” for God’s kingdom. It’s a chance to look at what might be holding us back and to ask if we’re ready to risk it all for something better.

Buried Treasure Game

The Buried Treasure Game is a fun way for young people to work together and enjoy some friendly competition. It gives them a chance to dig, laugh, and cheer each other on. While they’re having fun, they also learn to stay focused, be patient, and help others. These are great life skills that carry over into other areas.

This game can also lead to a moment of faith. On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jesus talks about the kingdom of heaven as a hidden treasure. This simple game helps kids imagine what it means to search for the things that really matter. It shows that God’s gifts are worth the effort.

Treasure Hunt Game

The Treasure Hunt game brings energy and joy to any youth gathering. Kids love the excitement of searching for hidden prizes, and along the way they practice focus, teamwork, and patience. It’s a fun way to help them explore and discover together.

This kind of game also fits well with the message of the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. In the Gospel, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure. This simple activity helps children begin to understand that God’s blessings are worth looking for—and worth celebrating when found.

King Solomon: A Divine Wisdom and Flawed Legacy

King Solomon is remembered for his great wisdom and also for his mistakes. He started out by asking God for wisdom, not power or wealth. That choice helped him lead well and brought peace to his kingdom. But over time, he let wealth and other influences take him away from God’s ways.

On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, we hear about Solomon’s request for wisdom. It’s a good reminder that the things we ask for show what’s in our hearts. Like Solomon, we can pray for understanding and guidance, trusting that God will help us choose what really matters.

Letter to the Romans: God Shapes Us for Glory

Romans 8:28-30 gives us one of the most hopeful messages in the letter to the Romans. Paul tells us that God is at work in everything for the good of those who love Him. These verses speak about how God chooses and shapes us to be like Jesus. It is not about earning God’s love but about being called into His saving plan. This ties into one of the main themes of Romans—how God’s grace transforms people.

The letter to the Romans explores salvation and how faith, not the law, brings righteousness. In this reading, Paul reassures believers that God is leading them toward glory. It shows that even suffering can be part of God’s loving work in our lives. On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, we are reminded that God is forming us into His people through love and purpose.

Read more about Paul’s message of grace in the Book of Romans.

The Gospel of Matthew: The Kingdom Worth Everything

Matthew 13:44-52 brings together three parables that reveal what the kingdom of heaven is like. Jesus uses simple images—a treasure, a pearl, and a fishing net—to show its great value and the serious choice each person must make. These parables reflect one of Matthew’s main themes: the call to live as true members of God’s kingdom. The hidden treasure and the pearl show how the kingdom is worth every sacrifice. The net reminds us that judgment will come, separating the good from the bad.

Throughout Matthew, Jesus teaches what it means to live under God’s reign. His parables often challenge listeners to go deeper, to respond with faith and action. On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, this reading reminds us that we must choose the kingdom with our whole heart.

Explore Matthew’s parables and their call to discipleship.

The Obsession of the Kingdom

In this reflection for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins shares personal stories of his childhood obsessions and relates them to the concept of the kingdom of God. He highlights the idea that just as people can be consumed by worldly pursuits, it is essential to be obsessed with the kingdom of God and prioritize it above all else. Cavins encourages listeners to focus on the rule and reign of God in their lives, finding joy and peace in this pursuit, and ultimately, becoming agents of change in the world.

What Do You Want?

A homily for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the passage from the book of Kings where God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers to grant him a request. Solomon, a young and inexperienced king, is faced with an extraordinary opportunity. Bishop Barron invites us to pay close attention to Solomon’s response, as it reveals his character and priorities. This moment highlights the significance of seeking wisdom and making choices aligned with God’s will. Solomon’s answer sets the stage for the unfolding of his reign and offers valuable insights for our own lives.

Dying to Live

A reflection from the Center for Action and Contemplation. St. Francis embodied a paradoxical existence, blending tradition and innovation in his pursuit of holiness. Rooted in the Church yet drawn to the cosmos, he harmonized the visible and the invisible. In the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 13:44-52), Jesus describes disciples as those who value both old and new treasures, while Francis, like Jesus, St. Paul, and St. Clare, embraced change and discerned timeless wisdom amidst fleeting customs, embodying true discipleship.

Treasures of the Kingdom

Scott Hahn reflects on the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, highlighting the theme of the kingdom of heaven and its incomparable worth. He poses challenging questions, inviting listeners to examine their own commitment to Christ and the extent to which they prioritize the kingdom above all else. Drawing from the Epistle of Paul and the example of Solomon, he underscores the importance of seeking wisdom, humbling ourselves before God, and conforming to the image of Christ. Ultimately, we must embrace a deep love for God, His Word, and His will, trusting that all things work together for the good of those who love Him.

All Things Work Together for Good

In this homily for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A , Bishop Robert Barron focuses on the second reading from the end of the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans. They highlight the profound message of God’s providential plan and the assurance it brings. We are invited to find solace in the divine plan. This message serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate purpose and the hope it offers amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites us to think about what truly matters. The readings show the importance of wisdom, trusting God’s plan, and valuing His kingdom above all else. Solomon chooses wisdom over riches, Jesus teaches that God’s kingdom is worth more than anything, and Paul reminds us that God works for good in our lives. These lessons challenge us to seek what lasts and trust in God’s guidance.

Trusting God’s Plan

The second reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that God works for good in the lives of those who love Him. He calls people, makes them right with Him, and helps them become more like His Son. This reading teaches that everything happens for a reason, even when we do not understand it.

Life is full of challenges and unexpected changes. Sometimes things do not go the way we planned. It can be hard to see how struggles and setbacks fit into a greater purpose. But this reading reminds us that God sees the bigger picture. He knows what is best, and He is always working in our lives.

Solomon trusted God when he asked for wisdom instead of wealth or power. He knew that leading well was more important than personal gain. In the gospel, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything else. These readings show that trusting God’s plan leads to true happiness and peace.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites us to believe that God is guiding us. When we let go of fear and trust Him, we can live with confidence. No matter what happens, God is always working for our good.

Wisdom for Leaders

Solomon’s story in the first reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches an important lesson about leadership. He was a young king with many responsibilities. When God gave him the chance to ask for anything, he did not choose riches, power, or a long life. Instead, he asked for wisdom to lead his people well.

This shows that good leadership is not about personal gain. It is about serving others and making wise decisions for their benefit. Solomon understood that leading people is a great responsibility. He knew that without wisdom, he could not govern fairly or guide his people in the right way.

Leaders today also need wisdom. Whether they are in the Church, government, or communities, they must put the needs of others first. A wise leader listens, seeks understanding, and makes choices that help everyone.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages us to pray for our leaders. We should ask God to give them wisdom, just as He gave it to Solomon. Wise and selfless leadership can bring peace, justice, and hope to the world.

The Priceless Kingdom

The gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches about the kingdom of heaven through parables. Jesus compares it to a hidden treasure and a valuable pearl. Both are worth more than anything else, and people gladly give up everything to have them.

These stories remind us that God’s kingdom is the most important thing in life. It is more valuable than money, success, or material possessions. People search for meaning and happiness in many places, but true joy comes from being part of God’s kingdom.

Jesus also talks about a fishing net that catches all kinds of fish. The fish are later separated, just as the good and bad will be separated at the end of time. This shows that being part of God’s kingdom is not automatic. It requires a choice to follow Him.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A calls us to think about what we treasure most. Are we willing to put God first? Are we ready to let go of what holds us back? Jesus invites us to seek His kingdom above all else.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us to focus on what is most important. Wisdom, faith, and trust in God bring true happiness. When we seek His kingdom first, everything else falls into place. May we open our hearts to God’s wisdom, trust in His plan, and treasure His kingdom above all else.

Prayer

Lord, help us seek wisdom like Solomon and trust in Your plan for our lives. Teach us to value Your kingdom above all else. Give us the courage to follow You and let go of anything that holds us back. May we live with faith and wisdom, always putting You first. Amen.

• What do you treasure most in your life?
• How can you seek wisdom in your daily decisions?
• When have you seen God working for good in your life?
• What does it mean to value God’s kingdom above everything else?
• How can you grow in trust when life does not go as planned?
• In what ways do leaders today need wisdom like Solomon?
• How do Jesus’ parables challenge the way you live?
• What sacrifices have you made to follow God?
• How can you share God’s wisdom with others?
• What step can you take to put God first in your life?

The music selections for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on wisdom, seeking God’s kingdom, and trusting in His plan. Some songs reflect Solomon’s request for wisdom, reminding us that true understanding comes from God. Others celebrate the great value of God’s kingdom, like the treasure and pearl in Jesus’ parables. There are also songs that express confidence in God’s purpose, echoing the second reading’s message that He works for good in the lives of those who love Him. Whether through joyful praise or quiet reflection, this music helps deepen the themes of the readings.

• Anthem by Tom Conroy
• Beautiful Things by Gungor
• Earthen Vessels by Jeffrey Honoré & John Foley
• Eye Has Not Seen by Marty Haugen
• From the Inside Out by Hillsong United
• God is Working His Purpose Out by Perry Lahaie
• Holy Wisdom Lamp of Learning by Ruth Duck
• Hosanna/Praise Is Rising by Paul Baloche
• I Found the Treasure by the St. Louis Jesuits
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God by Isaac Watts & Randall Debruyn
• Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring by Josh Groban
• Lord, I Love Your Commands (Psalm 119)
• The Kingdom of God by Jon Guerra
• Thy Kingdom Come by Rory Cooney
• There Is a Longing by Bob Fabing
• We Come to You by Josh Blakesley
• Where Your Treasure Is by Marty Haugen
• Your Kingdom Is Glorious by Jackie François
• Your Love Awakens Me by Phil Wickham

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to support the message of the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. These songs can help people reflect on the readings and focus on what truly matters. Try these selections and see what fits best for your community. If you have other suggestions, share them in the comments.

What date is the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The next date is Sunday July 26, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday July 26, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12: Solomon’s Wisdom Request
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Devotion to God’s Law
Second Reading – Romans 8:28-30: Assurance of Purpose and Glory
Gospel – Matthew 13:44-52: Parables of Hidden Treasure, Pearl, and Net

What is the main message of the first reading?

The first reading tells how Solomon asked God for wisdom instead of wealth or power. It teaches that wisdom is more valuable than riches because it helps us make good choices and serve others well.

Why did Solomon choose wisdom over riches?

Solomon knew that leading people was a great responsibility. He understood that wisdom would help him rule fairly and make decisions that would help his people.

How does the first reading connect to the gospel?

Both the first reading and the gospel talk about choosing what is most important. Solomon chose wisdom, and Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is the greatest treasure.

What does the second reading teach about God’s plan?

The second reading says that God works for good in the lives of those who love Him. Even when life is difficult, God is guiding and shaping us according to His purpose.

What do the parables in the gospel mean?

Jesus uses parables to explain that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything else. He teaches that those who truly understand its value are willing to give up everything to be part of it.

Why does Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure?

A hidden treasure is something valuable that is worth searching for. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is the most valuable thing we can find in life.

What does the fishing net parable teach?

The parable of the fishing net teaches that in the end, good and bad will be separated. It reminds us that our choices matter and that we should follow God’s ways.

How can we apply the lessons of the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A to our daily lives?

We can seek wisdom in our choices, trust God’s plan, and put His kingdom first. These lessons help us focus on what is truly important and live according to God’s will.

What does the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about priorities?

It teaches that we should focus on what lasts forever instead of temporary things. Wisdom and God’s kingdom are more important than money, power, or success.

How can we grow in wisdom like Solomon?

We can pray for wisdom, read Scripture, and listen to wise people. Learning from God and making good choices helps us grow in wisdom.

Why does Jesus say that wise teachers use both old and new lessons?

Jesus means that faith is built on past truth but also grows with new understanding. We should hold on to what is good while always learning more.

What is the key message of the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The key message is that God’s wisdom and kingdom are worth more than anything else. We should seek them above all else and trust in God’s plan for our lives.