Lord, Hear Our Prayer
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July 24, 2026In this Sunday’s first reading, God says to Solomon, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon could have asked for wealth, long life, power, or victory over his enemies. Instead, he asks for “an understanding heart” so that he might govern well the people God has entrusted to him. Solomon understands that leadership is not primarily about privilege. It is about responsibility. He knows that the people are not his possession; they belong to God. His task is to serve them faithfully, discern what is right, and seek their good.
Recently, I received an anonymous letter asking why one of our Sunday Masses is regularly listed as “For Parishioners by the Pastor.” The writer suggested that perhaps the Mass should instead be offered for the homeless, expectant mothers in difficult circumstances, families in crisis, healing in our country, or other urgent needs. Those are certainly worthy intentions. However, the Mass “for parishioners” is not simply one intention among many that the pastor has chosen. It is a responsibility entrusted to him by the Church.
Canon law requires every pastor to offer one Mass on each Sunday and holy day of obligation for all the people committed to his pastoral care. This is traditionally called the Missa pro populo, meaning “Mass for the people.” When the bulletin says, “For Parishioners by the Pastor,” it means that I am offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the entire parish community.
Like Solomon, a pastor has been entrusted with a people who belong to God. His greatest responsibility is not simply to manage buildings, oversee finances, organize programs, or make decisions. His first responsibility is spiritual: to pray for his people, preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and help lead them toward the Kingdom of Heaven.
The intention “for parishioners” includes far more than those sitting in the church at that particular Mass. It includes our children and families, the elderly and homebound, those who are sick or grieving, those struggling financially, those whose marriages are in difficulty, those who have drifted away, and those carrying burdens known only to God. The needs mentioned in the letter are not being ignored. When the pastor offers Mass for the people, the joys, needs, sins, sufferings, and hopes of the whole parish are placed upon the altar with Christ.
The Gospel gives us an even deeper way to understand this responsibility. Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a treasure buried in a field and to a pearl of great price. Once discovered, it becomes worth everything. The pastor’s task is not merely to provide religious services. It is to help his people discover that treasure, lead souls to Christ, and keep before the parish the one thing that matters most: communion with God.
The readings also ask each of us what we value. The psalm declares that God’s law is “more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Solomon chooses wisdom over riches. The merchant sells everything for the pearl. The Christian life takes shape when Christ and His Kingdom become our greatest treasure.
I strongly encourage parishioners to request Masses for other intentions. A Mass intention does not have to be offered only for someone who has died. Masses may be requested for illness, family healing, difficult decisions, the poor and homeless, expectant mothers, peace in our country, vocations, or in thanksgiving. The Eucharist is the sacrifice of Christ, and there is no greater prayer we can offer.
Finally, I would gently ask that questions or concerns not be sent anonymously. I understand that it can feel uncomfortable to raise a concern directly. Still, an anonymous letter gives me no opportunity to ask questions, clarify misunderstandings, or respond personally. Without a name, telephone number, or address, genuine respectful conversation is impossible. Please know that questions are welcome. I may not always agree, but I am willing to listen. Our parish is strengthened when we speak to one another directly, respectfully, and charitably.
Each Sunday, it is my privilege and duty to place all of St. Michael Parish upon the altar. Let us bring forward the needs of our community and our world, and ask God for the understanding heart that will help us serve one another well and recognize Christ as the treasure worth everything.