Word to the Wise
Sunday, July 30, 2023 - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
[1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12; Rom 8:28-30; Matt 13:44-52 or 13:44-46]"Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong." [1 Kings] We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called to his purpose. [Romans] The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. [Matthew]
The story of Solomon's prayer from the First Book of Kings has a bit of irony in it. How did Solomon know to ask for "an understanding heart?" That was a very wise prayer in the face of the heavy responsibilities of governing or serving. Even so, that gift can be like the treasure in the field in today's gospel passage. Faced with tough decisions, one looks for wisdom ("an understanding heart?") and may have to dig for it in some circumstances.
The words from St. Paul today in the second scripture called to mind a time when I had a very difficult decision to make, and mentioned the fact to a student friend. That friend quoted his mother who in turn had told him that for those who love God, all things work to the good. The "understanding heart" was "hidden" in that student who offered those words. This was more than 40 years ago and to this day, I pray for that "understanding heart" and for God's attendant mercy when my discernment is less than ideal!
Parents, public servants, religious superiors, pastors, judges, close friends, students trying to discern their future - the list could go on - show the broad range of those in need of Solomon's prayer. The "understanding heart" is the treasure truly worth all that we have, and God is waiting for us to ask for it. Sometimes God gives us the wisdom to ask for it! AMEN