Daily Readings - Sun Jul 30 2023

⁵Then the Lord appeared to Solomon, through a dream in the night, saying, "Request whatever you wish, so that I may give it to you.⁶And Solomon said: "You have shown great mercy to your servant David, my father, because he walked in your sight in truth and justice, and with an upright heart before you. And you have kept your great mercy for him, and you have given him a son sitting upon his throne, just as it is this day⁷And now, O Lord God, you have caused your servant to reign in place of David, my father. But I am a small child, and I am ignorant of my entrance and departure⁸And your servant is in the midst of the people that you have chosen, an immense people, who are not able to be numbered or counted because of their multitude⁹Therefore, give to your servant a teachable heart, so that he may be able to judge your people, and to discern between good and evil. For who will be able to judge this people, your people, who are so many?¹⁰And the word was pleasing before the Lord, that Solomon had requested this kind of thing¹¹And the Lord said to Solomon: "Since you have requested this word, and you have not asked for many days or for wealth for yourself, nor for the lives of your enemies, but instead you have requested for yourself wisdom in order to discern judgment¹²behold, I have done for you according to your words, and I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so much so that there has been no one like you before you, nor anyone who will rise up after you

Romans

Chapter 8

²⁸And we know that, for those who love God, all things work together unto good, for those who, in accordance with his purpose, are called to be saints²⁹For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined, in conformity with the image of his Son, so that he might be the Firstborn among many brothers³⁰And those whom he predestined, he also called. And those whom he called, he also justified. And those whom he justified, he also glorified

Matthew

Chapter 13

⁴⁴The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man finds it, he hides it, and, because of his joy, he goes and sells everything that he has, and he buys that field⁴⁵Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking good pearls⁴⁶Having found one pearl of great value, he went away and sold all that he had, and he bought it⁴⁷Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea, which gathers together all kinds of fish⁴⁸When it has been filled, drawing it out and sitting beside the shore, they selected the good into vessels, but the bad they threw away

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of wisdom, God’s providence, and the value of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the first reading, Solomon, the newly anointed king, is offered a gift by God. Instead of asking for wealth, power, or revenge, Solomon humbly requests a “teachable heart” to judge God’s people wisely. This plea for wisdom is not born of pride but of a deep recognition of his limitations and the immense responsibility before him. God is pleased with Solomon’s request and promises not only to grant him wisdom but also to bless him with riches and honor as a secondary gift. This passage reminds us that true wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to seek guidance from God. The second reading from Romans reinforces the idea that God’s plan is at work in our lives, even when we cannot fully understand it. St. Paul writes that for those who love God, all things work together for good. This is not a simplistic promise that life will always be easy but a profound trust in God’s providence. Those whom God has called and justified will ultimately be glorified, and this process is part of being conformed to the image of Christ. The reading encourages us to trust in God’s larger plan, even when we face challenges or uncertainties. In the Gospel, Jesus uses three parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. The first two parables—the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value—emphasize the joy and sacrifice required to attain the Kingdom. The third parable, about the net catching fish, suggests that the Kingdom includes both the good and the bad, but ultimately, there will be a separation. Together, these parables teach us that the Kingdom is of immense value, worth sacrificing everything for, and that our response to it will have eternal consequences. They call us to examine our priorities and to seek the Kingdom above all else. These readings are connected by the theme of seeking what truly matters. Solomon seeks wisdom to lead God’s people, St. Paul emphasizes trusting in God’s plan, and Jesus calls us to prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven. In our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on our own priorities and to seek spiritual wisdom and discernment. Like Solomon, we can humbly ask God for the grace to make decisions that align with His will. Like St. Paul, we can trust that even in difficult times, God is working for our good. And like the merchant in the parable, we can joyfully surrender everything to gain the treasure of the Kingdom. May we embrace these teachings and live with hearts open to God’s wisdom and providence.