July 30
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Lord, I love your commands.”
Readings
Reflection
Today in the reading from the First Book of Kings, we hear about Solomon. God gives Solomon a chance to choose any blessing that he might desire. Imagine what we might conger up in our minds if God would give us that opportunity.
This would be a chance to change who we are. We could ask to change our looks or intelligence. Perhaps we might want to change how others perceive us.
Solomon, simply asked that God allow him to be of service to other people. This seems strange at first glance, yet this reaction sheds light on who Solomon is; he is a model for disciples to follow.
Solomon has found the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price. This pearl is service to God and to God’s people. In choosing this blessing, we should not forget that Solomon gives up many of the blessings that society holds dear in favor of being a person of service.
I hope that we spend many hours each week in prayer. As we pray, we ask God to answer our prayers. We should ask ourselves if those prayers are for our benefit or for the benefit of each other. If we are to be of service to other people, we need to pray for them, for their intentions, and put our needs after their needs. In that way, perhaps we too will have the Wisdom of Solomon.
Blessings,
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