Reading 1 1 Kgs 3:4-13
Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there,
because that was the most renowned high place.
Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings.
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.
God said, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you."
Solomon answered:
"You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,
because he behaved faithfully toward you,
with justice and an upright heart;
and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today,
seating a son of his on his throne.
O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant,
king to succeed my father David;
but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,
a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart
to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?"
The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
So God said to him: "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
that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you.
In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,
such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
R. (12b) Lord, teach me your statutes.
How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
By keeping to your words.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R.Lord, teach me your statutes.
Gospel Mk 6:30-34
The Apostles gathered together with Jesus
and reported all they had done and taught.
He said to them,
"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."
People were coming and going in great numbers,
and they had no opportunity even to eat.
So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.
They hastened there on foot from all the towns
and arrived at the place before them.
When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.
Meditation: 1 Kings 3:4-13
Give your servant … an understanding heart.” (1 Kings 3:9)
If a genie suddenly appeared and offered to grant you three wishes, what would you ask for? A bigger retirement savings account? A better job? A new car? This is the kind of offer that God made to Solomon. And what did he ask for? Wisdom, of all things! Of course, Solomon also got the riches thrown in as well, so maybe he didn’t make such a bad choice after all.
As promising as Solomon’s start was, we know that after several years of building the Temple and acquiring many wives and possessions, Solomon’s heart was led astray (1 Kings 11:4). He began to worship foreign gods, and he let the Israelites—God’s chosen people—get mixed up with the pagan nations around them. It seems that Solomon lost sight of God and stopped seeking the wisdom that he so eagerly desired in his early years.
Jesus probably had this kind of story in mind in today’s Gospel reading when he took his apostles away to “rest a while” after their first preaching mission (Mark 6:31). The twelve must have been very excited as they saw demons submitting to them. Jesus knew that if they took off on another mission without first reconnecting with the Lord, they might collapse and burn out along the way. He wanted to prevent them from falling into the same trap that Solomon fell into when he went too long without seeking fresh wisdom from God.
Take a lesson from Solomon! Every day, find a “deserted place” where you can retreat for a little while. Sit with Jesus and let him speak his wisdom into your life. It may be a quiet spot in your house, or a favorite park bench by the lake, or, even better, at church in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Wherever it is, make it a point to put aside all the distractions, worries, and clutter of the day. Read a passage of Scripture, or say some familiar prayers, or just sit quietly before the Lord. However you choose to spend your time, know that the Lord is thrilled with your choice, and he will reward you with fresh insights, renewed strength for the journey, and deep peace.
“Jesus, I want to come away with you for a while. Refresh me, renew me, and strengthen me. Then send me out to build your kingdom.”
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