From the Pastor - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 31, 2026
Today’s readings should inspire the Christian steward with deepened gratitude for our God, who loves us with both fierce and tender love. We must make an intentional response each day, returning love for Love.
In our Second Reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. No anguish, distress, persecution, famine — and we might add illness, financial hardship, family struggles, or uncertainty about the future — nothing can keep our God from loving us. God holds us securely in the palm of His hand.
And yet, this reassurance is only the beginning of God’s gifts to us. Our Gospel from Matthew recounts the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. This miracle foreshadows the gift of the Eucharist, where Christ feeds us not simply with bread, but with His own Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Notice how the Gospel begins. "His heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick." What generous and compassionate love our Lord shows.
But even that is not enough for Him. He remains with the people, teaching and ministering to them until evening. When the disciples suggest sending the crowds away to find food, Jesus instead invites them to become part of His plan. He tells them to feed the people, then miraculously multiplies the few loaves and fish they offer.
What a privilege it was for the disciples to participate in Christ's work. That same privilege is ours as Christian stewards. Let us respond with grateful hearts to such amazing love. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants,
From the Pastor
The stewardship way of life could be described as a daily pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven. In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus uses a series of parables to help us understand the incomparable value of that Kingdom. First, He reminds us that living for Him and for His Kingdom will require sacrifice. Yet the joy that comes from following Christ makes any sacrifice worthwhile. Jesus says, “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.” He then compares the Kingdom to “a merchant searching for fine pearls." When the merchant finds a pearl of great price, he gladly sells everything he has to obtain it. In both parables, the Kingdom is something precious that must be sought and recognized. We must intentionally look for it amid the distractions and noise of the world. Yet Jesus also reminds us that the Kingdom is meant for everyone. He compares it to a net cast into the sea that gathers fish of every kind. At the same time, He reminds us that each of us will one day be judged. The angels “will separate the wicked from the righteous.” It is a powerful reminder that our choices matter. Let us pray for the wisdom to recognize the Kingdom of Heaven in our midst and to pursue it above all else. There is no greater treasure, and no greater source of joy, than a life lived as a faithful disciple of Jesus. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering I enjoy books generally. I like to hold them, look at them and, of course, read them. I also enjoy audiobooks because they are a good way to pass the time with all the driving that I do. I like a wide variety of books, but I generally try to avoid things that are strictly political. Hence, I was a little hesitant when the book Communion by J.D. Vance was recommended to me. However, what I discovered is that it is an excellent read and has nothing to do with politics. Rather, it is the story of the Vice President’s return to the Christian faith that eventually resulted in his becoming Catholic. I suppose “conversion” stories attract me because of my own background. And while I did not grow up in Ohio coal country as he did, there are many similarities to his family, described in Hillbilly Elegy, and my dad’s family from the mountains of North Carolina. This particular book, in some ways, is a sequel to Hillbilly . It discusses his chaotic childhood and exposure to Baptist and Pentecostal churches, his drift into atheism as a young adult, following the death of his grandmother, and his gradual return to faith which culminated in his conversion to Catholicism in 2019. The title refers to the Eucharist, and the author explores what it means to be Christian across life stages – as a child, young man, husband, father and public figure – while reflecting on the role of religion in public life and American society. This memoir mixes spiritual autobiography with broader commentary on faith, politics, family values, and societal problems. While some have criticized it as more of a cultural manifesto, I appreciated the honest assessment of one man’s journey from his childhood faith to an adult faith which led to full communion with the Catholic Church. Granted, it may not be to everyone’s liking, but it shouldn’t be dismissed simply because the author is the current Vice President. I enjoyed it, and if you want something to pass a lazy summer afternoon, I’d recommend it.
Today’s Gospel passage from Matthew contains several parables that offer both challenge and encouragement to the Christian steward as Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven and our role in helping to build it. First, He compares the Kingdom to a field where both wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. Only then are they separated — the wheat gathered into the sower’s barn and the weeds destroyed. It is a sobering reminder that our choices matter and that God, in His justice, will one day call each of us to account for how we have lived and used the gifts He has entrusted to us. But Jesus also offers great encouragement. He compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which grows into a large plant. He also compares it to a small amount of yeast that quietly transforms an entire batch of dough. These images are especially consoling for Christian stewards. So often, the prayers we pray, the service we offer, and the gifts we share can seem small compared to the needs around us. Yet Jesus reminds us that God works powerfully through even the smallest acts of faithfulness. God sees and treasures our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. When placed in His hands, they can bear far more fruit than we could ever imagine. In gratitude for all He has given us, let us remain faithful to the mission entrusted to our care for the building of His Kingdom. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2026. Pastoral Pondering The Catholic Church teaches that lying is always wrong and intrinsically evil, as it offends against the truth, which is rooted in the nature of God Himself (who is Truth, cf. John 14:6). This is a consistent teaching drawn from Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, particularly articulated in the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (CCC). Official Definition from the Catechism CCC 2482: “A lie consists in speaking a falsehood with the intention of deceiving.” (Quoting St. Augustine.) CCC 2483: “Lying is the most direct offense against the truth. To lie is to speak or act against the truth in order to lead someone into error. By injuring man’s relation to truth and to his neighbor, a lie offends against the fundamental relation of man and of his word to the Lord.” Lying profanes speech, whose natural purpose is to communicate truth. It is condemned by its very nature (CCC 2485), and no good intention or end can justify it—evil may not be done so that good may come of it. Gravity of Lies The seriousness of a lie varies: It is measured by the nature of the truth deformed, the circumstances, the intentions of the liar, and the harm caused to victims (CCC 2484). A lie can be venial or mortal sin. It becomes mortal if it gravely injures justice or charity (e.g., false witness in court, lies causing significant harm, or deception with potentially deadly consequences). Biblical and Theological Roots Scripture strongly condemns lying: e.g., the Eighth Commandment (“You shall not bear false witness,” Exodus 20:16), Psalms 5:6, Proverbs 12:22, and Jesus calling the devil “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Church Fathers like St. Augustine wrote extensively against lying (even “white lies” or lies to save a life), and this has been the dominant tradition, upheld by St. Thomas Aquinas and the Magisterium. While some historical discussions exist (e.g., distinctions between injurious, officious, or jocose lies), the Church holds that lying is always contrary to the virtue of truthfulness. Common Questions and Nuances “White lies” or lies to spare feelings? Still wrong, though lesser in gravity if they cause little harm. Better to use prudence, silence, or evasive but truthful speech. Lying to save a life (e.g., Nazis at the door)? The Church’s teaching is that lying remains sinful; alternatives like mental reservation, broad statements, or silence are preferred where possible. The good end does not justify the means. Mental reservation or broad mental reservation: In some moral theology traditions, one may use ambiguous speech that is true in a certain sense (e.g., when the listener has no right to the truth), but this must not cross into actual falsehood. The Catechism’s emphasis is on communicating truth. Jokes or fiction: Obvious jokes or storytelling (where no one is expected to take it as literal truth) are generally not lies. Practical Pastoral Advice Christians are called to be people of truth, reflecting Christ. Repentance, confession, and striving for veracity build trust and communion.