Fr. Dan Kirby, pastor of St. John the Apostle in Norwalk, joins The Catholic Morning Show to preview the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Jesus' parable of the pearl of great price. He shares a striking story from his seminary days about a Harvard-educated heir to the J.P. Morgan banking fortune who walked away from his inheritance to become a Benedictine monk. It's a reflection on what each of us is willing to give up for the treasure of knowing Christ.
About This Conversation Ahead of Sunday's Gospel reading (Matthew 13:44–52, the parable of the pearl of great price), Fr. Dan Kirby joins Deacon Mark Campbell to help listeners prepare for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Fr. Kirby recalls a formative encounter from his seminary years at Conception Abbey: meeting Brother Dominic Maria Morgan, an elderly Benedictine brother and direct descendant of banker J.P. Morgan. A Harvard graduate with wealth, brains, and prospects, Brother Dominic walked away from a multi-million-dollar inheritance after converting to Catholicism and entering religious life — a living illustration of the Gospel's call to give up everything for the one pearl of great price. Fr. Kirby closes the segment with a blessing for listeners preparing for Mass this weekend.
This Weekend's Readings The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) falls on July 26, 2026. The Gospel is Matthew 13:44–52.
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