“…I give you a heart so wise and understanding…” (1 Kings 3: 12)
Solomon is the third king of the people of Israel. He reigned about forty years in the ninth century BCE. In today’s First Reading, the story begins: “The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, ‘Ask something of me and I will give it to you.’” This shows that God always takes initiative to engage with us and to actively connect us with God and with others. Solomon stayed in dialoguing with God and answering God’s invitation. We call this “prayer” to be in the presence of God and to be connected with God in a personal relationship. As a result, God responds to Solomon’s request, which is “an understanding heart”: “Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding…” (1 Kings 3: 5, 7-12) How generous God is, not only to give a heart of understanding to Solomon, but also a heart of so wise!
We have learned that “understanding” is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is biblically originated from Isaiah 11: 2 and prayerfully requested by Solomon. We daily appreciate the gift of understanding, so that we continue to live our Christian life with humility and gratitude; humility: to know that God is present, and gratitude: to live for one another.
What else would we ask of the Lord, who loves us? And why? Please set some time aside to be alone with the Lord, simply listening to the Lord, and closely staying with Him. To help you with your prayer, you can pick up a copy of the Give Us This Day book in the Church.
God bless,
Fr. Thuc