First Reading
1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

1. The Hebrew word “Shema” means listen or hear.* What impact might “listening” have today on good leadership? How would problems change if leaders in the world earnestly prayed Solomon’s prayer: “give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart”? Apply this to race relations, immigration problems, climate crises and wars.

2. Would anyone’s life change for the better if you had a more understanding heart? How do you think you might improve your skills in this area?

Second Reading
Romans 8:28-30

1. The New American Bible translation is “all things work for good for those who love God.” In what ways did you see examples of this during the pandemic? Did people figure out new ways to solve problems? For example, stepping up to serve others in hospitals and food delivery.

2. How have you experienced in your own life that everything works out when you love God?

Gospel
Matthew 13:44-52 or 44-46

1. Did the pearl-finder and the merchant of this reading have to be shrewd about obtaining their tresures? What about you—are you shrewd about recognizing the “treasure” or the “kingdom of God” in your own life? Do you find, or at least look for God in all things? Do you notice when God is “whispering,” or just when God is “shouting” to you?

2. According to Pope Francis, how are “getting” and “giving” related when speaking of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price?”

The Kingdom of Heaven is the opposite of the superfluous things that the world offers; it is the opposite of a dull life: it is a treasure that renews life every day and leads it to expand towards wider horizons. Indeed, those who have found this treasure have a creative and inquisitive heart which does not repeat but rather invents, tracing and setting out on new paths which lead us to love God, to love others, and to truly love ourselves. The sign of those who walk this path of the Kingdom is creativity, always seeking more. And creativity is what takes life and gives life, and gives, and gives, and gives. ... It always looks for many different ways to give life.

Jesus, who is the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value, cannot but inspire joy, all the joy of the world: the joy of discovering a meaning for one’s life, the joy of feeling committed to the adventure of holiness.

Pope Francis, Angelus, 17 Ord A
July 26, 2020