Daily Readings - Sun Jul 26 2020
1 Kings
5At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you."6And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day.7And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in.8And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude.9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.11And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,12behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.
Romans
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Matthew
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.47"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.48When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of wisdom, God’s providence, and the kingdom of heaven. In the first reading, Solomon, newly anointed king, humbly asks God not for wealth, power, or vengeance, but for a “teachable heart” to judge God’s people wisely. This request pleases God, who grants Solomon not only wisdom but also the promise of blessings for his faithfulness. The second reading from Romans assures us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. Paul emphasizes the predestination and calling of the saints, reminding us that our lives are part of God’s larger plan. In the Gospel, Jesus uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven as a hidden treasure, a pearl of great value, and a net that gathers all kinds of fish. These images suggest that the kingdom is worth sacrificing everything for and that it encompasses both the good and the bad, which will ultimately be separated.
These readings are connected by the theme of discernment and trust in God’s plan. Solomon’s request for wisdom is a model of humility and trust in God’s guidance, while Paul’s words in Romans remind us that our lives are part of a divine plan that works for our good. The parables in Matthew call us to seek the kingdom of heaven with the same single-mindedness as the merchant seeking the pearl or the man finding the hidden treasure. Together, they encourage us to trust in God’s providence, seek wisdom, and prioritize the kingdom of heaven above all else.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to reflect on our priorities and our trust in God. Do we, like Solomon, ask for wisdom to discern good from evil? Do we, like Paul, trust that even in difficult times, God is working for our good? Do we, like the characters in Jesus’ parables, value the kingdom of heaven enough to make sacrifices for it? Let us pray for the wisdom to see God’s hand in our lives and the courage to seek the kingdom of heaven with joy and determination. May we remember that true treasure lies not in earthly riches but in the eternal riches of God’s kingdom.