For twenty-six years of faithful priestly ministry in the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran has consistently reminded Christians that the greatest gift anyone can receive from God is not wealth, influence or earthly success, but divine wisdom. His homily for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A), Sunday, 26 July 2026, is another profound call for believers to seek the wisdom that comes from God above every worldly pursuit.
Drawing inspiration from the day’s readings—1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30; and Matthew 13:44-52—Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran explains that the wisdom God gave King Solomon remains available today for everyone who sincerely desires to know God, serve humanity and prepare for eternal life.
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, Christians who genuinely seek God’s wisdom will discover the greatest treasure that no amount of money can ever purchase.
Solomon’s Prayer Should Become Every Christian’s Prayer
Reflecting on the First Reading, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran invites every believer to imagine standing before God exactly as King Solomon did.
God asked Solomon a remarkable question:
“Ask what I should give you.”
Instead of asking for riches, military victories, long life, political influence or revenge against his enemies, Solomon prayed:
“Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, able to discern between good and evil.” (1 Kings 3:9)
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, this remains one of the most beautiful prayers ever made in the Bible.
He explains that Solomon understood that without wisdom, every other blessing could become dangerous. Wealth without wisdom leads to greed. Power without wisdom produces oppression. Knowledge without wisdom creates arrogance. Success without wisdom often ends in destruction.
Because Solomon sought wisdom rather than selfish gain, God rewarded him beyond his expectations.
Jesus Himself later referred to Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom in Matthew 12:42, while 1 Kings 4:29-34 records that people from many nations travelled simply to hear Solomon speak.
Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran: Wisdom Is God’s Greatest Gift
Throughout his homily, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran repeatedly emphasises that wisdom cannot be bought.
It comes directly from God.
He points to Proverbs 2:6:
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, every important decision in life demands divine wisdom.
Choosing a spouse.
Raising children.
Managing finances.
Leading a family.
Building friendships.
Serving in public office.
Working honestly.
Living faithfully.
Without wisdom, people often make decisions they later regret.
That is why James 1:5 assures believers:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.”
Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran reminds Christians that Solomon received wisdom because he humbly asked for it. God has never withdrawn that invitation.
Wisdom Is More Valuable Than Wealth
One of the strongest messages delivered by Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran is that Christians must reconsider what they truly value.
Many people spend their lives pursuing money, fame, influence, expensive houses and luxurious lifestyles.
Yet Jesus teaches in today’s Gospel that the Kingdom of Heaven resembles:
- A treasure hidden in a field.
- A merchant searching for the finest pearl.
- A priceless possession worth sacrificing everything to obtain.
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, these parables challenge modern society.
Many people sacrifice their relationship with God in pursuit of temporary pleasures.
Yet Christ teaches that eternal life is infinitely more valuable than every earthly achievement combined.
Jesus Himself asks:
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
This question, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran says, should guide every Christian’s daily decisions.
Characteristics of a Person Who Possesses God’s Wisdom
Drawing from Scripture and Christian experience, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran identifies several qualities found in people who possess divine wisdom.
1. They fear and worship God sincerely
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, genuine reverence for God protects people from evil and helps them distinguish right from wrong.
2. They live honestly
Wise people avoid pretence, deceit and hidden agendas.
Their public life matches their private character.
Psalm 15 describes such people as those who “walk blamelessly and speak truth from their heart.”
3. They reject pride
Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran warns that pride closes the door to wisdom.
The humble remain teachable.
Proverbs 11:2 teaches:
“With humility comes wisdom.”
4. They are content
Modern society constantly promotes endless consumption.
However, according to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, wise people know that true satisfaction comes from God.
Like St Paul wrote:
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
5. They forgive others
Wisdom always produces mercy.
James 3:17 describes heavenly wisdom as:
“Pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy.”
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, unforgiveness reveals spiritual immaturity.
6. They judge fairly
Wisdom refuses prejudice.
Micah 6:8 reminds believers:
“Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”
7. They are prudent
Wise Christians do not act impulsively.
They pray before making decisions.
They seek God’s direction.
They avoid unnecessary conflicts.
As Proverbs 14:15 says:
“The prudent give thought to their steps.”
God Is Quietly Working Through Every Circumstance
Turning to Romans 8:28-30, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran reminds Christians that God never abandons those who love Him.
St Paul declares:
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.”
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, this promise includes:
- Poverty
- Wealth
- Employment
- Joblessness
- Success
- Failure
- Health
- Sickness
- Strength
- Weakness
Nothing escapes God’s loving providence.
Even painful experiences may become instruments of salvation when entrusted to God.
This echoes Joseph’s testimony to his brothers in Genesis 50:20:
“You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good.”
Likewise, St Paul endured imprisonment, persecution and suffering, yet God’s purpose continued to unfold.
What Happens When You Choose God’s Wisdom?
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, choosing divine wisdom transforms every aspect of life.
He highlights that those who embrace God’s wisdom:
- Choose to love God above everything else.
- Cooperate with God’s divine purpose.
- Respond generously to God’s call.
- Receive God’s justification.
- Share in His glory.
- Become instruments for building His Kingdom.
- Learn to trust God even when life becomes difficult.
- Discover peace that worldly success cannot provide.
These blessings, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran explains, are far greater than temporary earthly achievements.
Understanding Christ’s Parables Requires Wisdom
Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ use of parables.
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, many people heard Christ’s stories but never understood their true meaning.
Only those with hearts open to God could recognise the Kingdom hidden within Christ’s words.
Jesus had earlier explained to His disciples:
“To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 13:11)
Divine wisdom opens spiritual eyes.
Without it, people may hear God’s Word every Sunday yet remain spiritually unchanged.
The Kingdom of Heaven Is the Greatest Treasure
A central message in Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran’s homily is that heaven must become every Christian’s highest priority.
The treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price represent eternal life.
Like St Paul declared:
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)
According to Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, anyone who truly discovers Christ willingly abandons sinful habits, selfish ambitions and worldly distractions because nothing compares with the joy of belonging to God’s Kingdom.
How Christians Can Grow in God’s Wisdom
Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran encourages believers to intentionally seek wisdom every day by:
- Asking God continually for wisdom in prayer.
- Reading and meditating on Sacred Scripture daily.
- Living according to God’s commandments.
- Participating faithfully in the Holy Eucharist and the Sacraments.
- Remaining humble and teachable.
- Seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit before making major decisions.
- Practising charity, forgiveness and mercy.
- Serving others with sincerity rather than selfish ambition.
- Avoiding the distractions and vanities of the world.
- Keeping heaven as the ultimate goal of life.
Final Reflection
As he marks 26 years of dedicated priestly service in the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran leaves Christians with a timeless challenge: if God were to ask today, “What do you want Me to give you?” would your answer resemble Solomon’s?
His homily reminds us that wealth fades, power changes hands and earthly achievements eventually pass away. Yet the wisdom that comes from God leads believers to holiness, right judgement, compassionate living and, ultimately, eternal life.
The invitation is clear. Like Solomon, every Christian should pray for “an understanding heart”—a heart capable of discerning good from evil, recognising Christ as the greatest treasure and making the Kingdom of God the first priority.
May we, through constant prayer, faithful witness, works of charity and obedience to God’s Word, receive the wisdom that transforms lives and leads us safely to the everlasting Kingdom prepared for those who love Him.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Categories: Religion
