Monsignor Enrique Díaz Díaz shares with Exaudi readers his reflection on the  Gospel of this Sunday, July 26, 2026,   entitled: “ Sell  all you have and buy that field.” 

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1 Kings 3:5-13:  “Because you asked me for wisdom”

Psalm 118:  “I love your commandments, Lord”

Romans 8:28-30:  “He predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

Matthew 13:44-52:  “ Sell  all you have and buy that field” 

In our world, which theoretically has opted for the recognition of human dignity and rights, we find, in practice, severe discrimination, human rights violations, depression, suicide, insecurities, and the denial of personhood. And all of this stems from the values ​​that motivate us. One of the greatest misfortunes of our time is the value system that governs our society, to which so many people cling in their search for happiness. It is a system that dominates and manipulates us. Some, whether intentionally or not, are caught in the lure of deceptive treasures that alienate and divide them. Pleasure, drugs, the ambition for power, the uncontrollable desire for possessions, alcohol, unbridled sexuality, the good life, and other such allurements are values ​​that drive us today. For these “treasures,” we are willing to give almost everything. And when we discover that they don’t quench our thirst for happiness and love, we find ourselves empty and fall into pessimism and depression, thinking that humanity is worthless. Saint Paul warns the Romans and offers them a guide to discovering the true value of a person: God predestines people to reproduce in themselves the image of his own Son; he calls them, justifies them, and glorifies them. We are not valued for what we possess; we are not here by chance; we are loved, chosen, and called by God for a special mission.

In this Sunday’s first reading, taken from the First Book of Kings, Solomon, in a romantic and somewhat romanticized narrative, asks the Lord in his dreams not for the accumulation of riches, not for the death of his enemies, not for the docility of his subjects, but rather, declaring himself an inexperienced youth, he asks for “wisdom of heart,” to distinguish between good and evil. What would we ask for if we had the opportunity? What do we most desire? Good and just people, those who have found success and feel fulfilled, are those who know how to distinguish a scale of values ​​that guides their lives and by which they live. Saints are those who have discovered the treasure within their hearts and do not need outward appearances and trappings to disguise their inner emptiness. Within your heart, God makes himself present with all his love and allows us to see all things and events in a new light. He allows us to discover the true wisdom that leads us to discern what is good and what is evil. We are so confused that, driven by our ambitions, we dare to call “good” that which pleases us, even if it is unjust, destroys humanity, and restricts true freedom.

Jesus, through his parables, also alerts us: the treasure and the precious pearl, when found, bring great happiness. Pay attention! Everything else pales in comparison, and one abandons everything to acquire them, not for profit, but to treasure them in one’s heart. It is not the merchant who buys a treasure merely to gain more by trading it. It is not the pearl acquired to be resold later. Yes, this treasure and this pearl bring great joy to the heart. It is the sign of Jesus’ presence in the heart of the disciple and the Kingdom of God in the lives of humankind. It is a priceless treasure that captivates us and produces such great joy that whoever finds it forgets everything they have, abandons all, and sees the world through the lens of this treasure. These are not external rules, titles, or accolades; it is the assurance of having God in one’s heart, of knowing oneself loved by Him, of recognizing oneself as a brother or sister to all men and women, of feeling the immense satisfaction that comes from loving and knowing oneself to be loved. It is the joy of finding the Kingdom. Not as an imposed burden, but as a treasure that fills and fulfills. Nothing more is needed, nothing more will be accumulated; this treasure is enough to bring true happiness. Finding Christ, finding his Kingdom, fills us with true joy.

Some might say that finding this treasure is a matter of luck, but Jesus tells us that it is a gift, the result of a search. We must open our hearts and eyes to discover it. It is within us, but we need to make the “discovery” and be willing to sacrifice what is not “treasure,” what is worthless, what binds and deceives, what seduces and stunts. The other two parables Jesus presents tell us that finding this treasure is not a matter of chance, but rather that we have the responsibility and the obligation to find it. This is what we were made for, and if we fail, we will be failing at the very core of our being. We were called to happiness, and finding the treasure is our responsibility. Otherwise, this kind of judgment that condemns some and justifies others would be incomprehensible. Thus, we must reject this complacency that assures us that everything is the same. This is not true: there is treasure and there is tinsel; there are values ​​and there are anti-values. That is why these parables continue with the demand for radical discipleship and an uncompromising search for the Kingdom. Every moment of our lives is crucial in this choice. We cannot say that we don’t have time now or that it’s not the right moment. Every instant is precious, and we must live it to the fullest. Like the scribe, we must find in both old and new things those things that are valuable and that lead us to true life and happiness. Christ uses the comparison of this wise scribe who chooses the best of each moment. Each stage has its values, but it is necessary to choose and act according to the values ​​of Jesus. And the values ​​of Jesus are the Kingdom, love of neighbor, the will of his Father, forgiveness, and service.

What are the values ​​that drive my life? What values ​​do I retain from the past, and what new values ​​am I acquiring? How do I judge both the new and the old? Am I living a mediocre life without enthusiasm for the Kingdom?

God, our loving Father, grant us wisdom to understand the meaning and importance of the Kingdom that your Son announced and inaugurated among us, as the most precious treasure, and that we may dedicate our whole lives to it. Amen.