Daily Readings - Sun Jul 30 2023
1 Kings
5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.6And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?10And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.11And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
Romans
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Matthew
44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad 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.