St. Francis Xavier Petoskey

4 days ago

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

"An Understanding Heart and the Treasure of the Kingdom"

Today's readings invite us to ask ourselves: What do I value most in life? Is it success, wealth, security, or something deeper?
In the First Reading (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12), the young King Solomon is given an extraordinary opportunity. God tells him, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you." Solomon could have asked for riches, power, or a long life. Instead, he asks for an understanding heart to govern God's people and to distinguish right from wrong.

God is pleased because Solomon's request reveals humility. Solomon recognizes that wisdom is a gift from God and that leadership begins with listening. An understanding heart is not merely intelligence; it is a heart that is attentive to God, compassionate toward others, and able to discern what is truly good.

In the Gospel (Matthew 13:44-52), Jesus tells the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. In both stories, people discover something so valuable that they gladly sell everything they own to obtain it. The Kingdom of God is worth more than any earthly possession.

The connection between Solomon and these parables is profound. Solomon chose wisdom over wealth because he recognized what was of greatest value. The man who finds the treasure and the merchant who finds the pearl also recognize true value. Their joy enables them to let go of everything else.

Jesus asks us the same question today: What is the treasure of your life? If Christ and His Kingdom are truly our treasure, then sacrifices made for the Gospel are not losses but joyful investments. We do not follow Christ reluctantly but because we have found something infinitely greater.

The final parable of the fishing net reminds us that our choices have eternal consequences. God gathers everyone into His Kingdom, but each person must decide whether to embrace God's wisdom and live according to it.

Today's readings also challenge us in our daily lives. We often pray for success, health, or solutions to our problems. These are good things to ask for, but Solomon teaches us to begin with a greater prayer: "Lord, give me an understanding heart." A heart that listens to God will make wiser decisions in family life, work, relationships, and service. Such a heart will recognize the treasure of God's Kingdom even when the world values something else.

As we gather around the Eucharist, we receive the greatest treasure of all—Christ Himself. May we have the wisdom of Solomon to recognize His presence and the courage of the man who found the treasure to give our whole lives to Him with joy.
Amen ... See MoreSee Less

St. Francis Xavier Petoskey

5 days ago

Exciting News!

We are prayerfully looking forward to expanding our Eucharistic Adoration schedule this fall by offering 24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday.

Our current schedule is:

24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration on the third Thursday of each month.

Eucharistic Adoration every other Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

As we prepare for this expansion, we are inviting parishioners and non parishioners to become Guardians of the Eucharist by committing to one hour of adoration each week.

If you are interested in choosing an hour or would like more information, please contact a member of our Eucharistic Adoration Team:

Teresa Tillotson
📧 till268@proton.me

Deb Mason
📧 masontd@yahoo.com

"Every minute spent in the presence of the Lord is precious and priceless."

We look forward to growing this beautiful ministry of prayer and welcoming you into the Lord's presence. ... See MoreSee Less

St. Francis Xavier Petoskey

6 days ago

A Reflection on Parents, Regret, and Gratitude

One of life's greatest lessons often comes through hindsight. We become busy building careers, raising families, meeting deadlines, and pursuing goals, believing there will always be another weekend, another holiday, another phone call. Then one day we realize that time is not guaranteed.

If your parents are still alive, give them one of the greatest gifts you can offer—your time and your presence. Make memories while you still can. Sit with them. Listen to their stories, even the ones you've heard many times. Ask about their childhood, their dreams, their struggles, and the sacrifices they made. Take photos together. Record their laughter. Tell them you love them. One day, these ordinary moments may become your most treasured memories.

Grandparents are a blessing, not a burden. They carry wisdom, family history, and unconditional love that enrich future generations. Time spent with them is an investment in both your family and yourself.

Parents often spend decades laying the foundation for their children. As they grow older, many children have the opportunity to return that love through patience, respect, care, and companionship. While every family story is different, gratitude expressed while our loved ones are still here can become one of life's greatest blessings.

For those whose parents have already passed away, hindsight can be painful. Many people carry regrets—not because they failed completely, but because they wish they had done just a little more.

They wish they had visited more often.

Called more frequently.

Asked more questions.

Forgiven sooner.

Been more patient.

Said "I love you" more often.

Simply sat together without rushing.

If God gave you one more hour to speak with your parents, what would you say?

Would you thank them for their sacrifices?

Would you apologize for the times you were impatient or distant?

Would you tell them how much they shaped your life?

Would you hug them a little longer?

Would you ask the questions you never thought to ask?

Most people would not spend that precious hour talking about careers, money, or accomplishments. They would spend it expressing love, gratitude, forgiveness, and appreciation.

That realization teaches us something important: if we know what we would say after they're gone, perhaps we should say it while they're still here.

For those who still have one parent—or both—but find the relationship difficult, know that many families face seasons of distance, misunderstanding, disappointment, or silence. Relationships can be complicated. Sometimes healing takes time, and sometimes it begins with one small step.

Perhaps that step is a phone call.

A short visit.

A handwritten note.

A shared meal.

A simple text that says, "I'm thinking of you."

Not every conversation will be easy. Not every relationship will become close overnight. Some wounds take years to heal, and in some situations healthy boundaries remain necessary. But where reconciliation is possible, don't wait forever. Pride often lasts only a moment; regret can last a lifetime.

If you're praying and hoping for a healthier relationship with your parents, don't lose hope. Continue praying for wisdom, patience, softened hearts, and opportunities to reconnect. Ask God to help you love with humility, extend grace where possible, and recognize the value of the time you still have. Even small acts of kindness can become the beginning of restoration.

Life moves quickly. Children become adults. Parents grow older. Grandparents leave us. The calendar keeps turning.

Don't assume there will always be another tomorrow.

If your parents are still living, honor them with your presence as much as you are able. If they have passed away, honor their memory by living the good values they taught you, sharing their stories with future generations, and loving others with the same compassion you wish you had expressed more fully.

Hindsight may be 20/20, but wisdom allows us to act before regret has the final word.

One day, the phone will stop ringing with your mother's voice or your father's laugh. Before that day comes, make time. Ask the questions you've been meaning to ask. Share a meal. Take a walk. Listen to their stories, even if you've heard them before. Those ordinary moments often become the memories we treasure most. When our parents are gone, many of us don't regret the things we bought or the hours we worked—we regret the conversations we postponed, the visits we skipped, and the love we assumed there would always be time to express. If your parents are still with you, give them the gift of your presence. If they are gone, honor them by living the values they hoped to pass on and by sharing their stories with the next generation. ... See MoreSee Less