Understanding heart
The kingdom of Heaven is not just another item to add to our daily to-do lists; it is the ultimate treasure. It requires a total reordering of our lives.
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The kingdom of Heaven is not just another item to add to our daily to-do lists; it is the ultimate treasure. It requires a total reordering of our lives.
Today, the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, challenges us to evaluate our deepest priorities.
In the first reading, a young King Solomon is given a blank check by God — he can ask for absolutely anything. Solomon does not ask for a long life, immense wealth or the defeat of his enemies. Instead, he recognizes his own inexperience and asks for an “understanding heart” (or a listening heart) to govern his people. Solomon realized that true success comes not from material accumulation but from the wisdom to discern right from wrong.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parables of the buried treasure and the pearl of great price to illustrate this same wisdom. When a merchant finds a pearl of great value, he sells all that he has to buy it. The kingdom of Heaven is not just another item to add to our daily to-do lists; it is the ultimate treasure. It requires a total reordering of our lives.
The Word of God today invites us to examine what we treasure most in life.
Recently, Senator Mark Villar recognized exceptional graduating college students from leading higher education institutions through the “Mark Villar Leadership Awards,” honoring young Filipinos who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, exemplary leadership, integrity and meaningful service to their respective schools and communities.
This year’s awardees came from Cebu Technological University-Main Campus, Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa, Laguna State Polytechnic University-Los Baños Campus, Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City Campus, Laguna State Polytechnic University-Siniloan Campus, Laguna State Polytechnic University-Sta. Cruz Campus, Southern Luzon State University and Tanauan City College.
Villar said the student leaders, who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also character, discipline and commitment to becoming future nation-builders, deserve such recognition.
The senator encouraged the graduates to uphold the values they learned in school as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Villar reaffirmed his commitment to advancing measures that would expand access to quality education and empower Filipino students to reach their full potential.
He concluded by challenging the awardees to continue making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
Meanwhile, my greetings to Gen. Antonio Gustilo Nafarrete, the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Before assuming the post, he served as commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) and previously led two Philippine Army divisions — the 6th Infantry Division and the 1st Infantry Division — before becoming the 67th commanding general of the Philippine Army. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy Bigkis-Lahi Class of 1990 and holds a bachelor’s degree in military science.
With his distinguished record of service and leadership, the Department of National Defense is confident he will continue to uphold the highest standards of military excellence while advancing the AFP’s mission of protecting the Filipino people and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
