Scripture Scribbles: July 26, 2026
the Gospel
Matthew 13:44-52
Jesus said to his disciples:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."
the scribble
As I sat down to spend time with this Sunday’s readings, I hardly recognized myself. I couldn’t wait to read them.
Not just the Gospel, but all of them - the Old Testament, The Psalm, the Epistle, the Alleluia, and finally the Gospel. I want to drink it all in, to savor every word. That’s where I stop and think, who am I? Because a few years ago, I never would have imagined feeling this way. To my delight, this week’s readings are all familiar friends - some of my favorite passages in Scripture. It almost feels as though God knew exactly what would bring me joy. (Of course, He did.) So, how do I even begin to share what I find so beautiful?
A few weeks ago I was driving with one of my sons and we were talking about what we would ask God for if He offered us anything. I told him that I almost always pray for wisdom.
Looking back, I realize our conversation was dancing around today’s first reading from the first Book of Kings. When God invited Solomon to ask for anything, Solomon didn’t ask for riches, or a long life, he asked for “an understanding heart.” Scripture tells us, “the Lord was pleased” with Solomon’s request.
That line stops me every time.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all desired wisdom enough to ask for it every day?
If our greatest prayer was simply, “Lord, help me to understand Your will.” I think that kind of wisdom changes everything. It helps us see our lives through a different lens.
Challenges become opportunities.
Suffering becomes a place where virtue can grow.
Even uncertainty loses some of its power because we begin trusting that God is leading us. Like a small child resting safely in a parent’s arms, there is peace in knowing we are where we belong.
Then comes todays Psalm.
“Lord, I love your commands.”
Do I?
Do you?
Do I see God’s commandments as guardrails that protect me or as rule’s meant to hold me back?
I have heard people say over the years that the Catholic faith has “too many rules.” But maybe we are asking the wrong question. The real question is: Are those commands for our good or for our harm? Are they leading us toward Heaven or away from it?
One of my favorite lines in today’s Psalm says: “The revelation of Your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.”
Wisdom.
Understanding.
Yes, please.
Then comes Romans 8:28 - if this isn’t already one of your favorite verses, you may want to grab your highlighter!
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
You are called.
Whatever you’re carrying today, God is not wasting it.
Somehow, in ways we often can’t yet see, He is already working good from it.
Don’t lose hope.
By the time we reach today’s Gospel, all of the readings have been preparing our hearts. Even the Alleluia reminds us that the Father reveals “the mysteries of the kingdom” to the little ones.
I like to place myself among those little ones.
Not because I know so much, but because I know so little. Somehow, in my very ordinary life, God has gotten my attention. He has awakened in me a desire for wisdom. He has opened my eyes just enough to make me long for His kingdom.
And then Jesus tells us about the treasure hidden in a field, and the pearl of great price.
Both people in these parables recognize something so valuable that everything else suddenly becomes secondary.
So I have to ask myself….. What is the greatest treasure in my life?
What do I really want?
What am I encouraging my children, my family, and my friends to pursue?
If the answer isn’t Heaven, then what could possibly be better?
Let’s not be afraid to be unapologetically attracted to the True, the Good, and the Beautiful.
Let’s immerse ourselves in God's Word.
Let’s talk about Him around the dinner table, in the car, and with our children and grandchildren.
Let’s become people whose joy points others toward Christ.
Let’s remember that the peace of the Lord is a reflection of Heaven that we can experience here and now.
And if something, or someone has stolen your peace, ask the Lord to restore it.
Today’s devotion was written by Beth Brannan
