Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Today’s scripture explores the relationship between Wisdom and the Kingdom. In other words, today’s readings tell us that it would be impossible for us to recognize, be open and build the Kingdom without the wisdom that God gives to those whom God calls. In today’s first reading, Solomon takes over the reins of the Kingdom of Israel from David his Father. The history of the people of Israel tells us that kings ascended the throne only because they were chosen and anointed by Yahweh. Saul the first king, David the second king, and Solomon were not human choices, but rather, God’s chose them for his Kingdom. Whereas Saul lost that vision, David was always conscious that as a king he was only acting on behalf of Yahweh. So was Solomon in today’s first reading. He was aware that the real king of Israel was God and that the kingship and the care of the people of Israel was a responsibility gifted to him by Yahweh. That is why when Solomon had the opportunity to ask God anything he would want he asked for an “understanding heart” (wisdom). Solomon knew that Kingdom was, in fact, God’s kingdom and he needed the wisdom to recognize, be open to and build – not his kingdom – but God’s Kingdom.

Solomon asked God for and “understanding heart (wisdom). For us too, it takes wisdom to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. It takes an understanding heart to see our life in relation to the Kingdom. It takes wisdom to realize that our life and everything we have today is gift from God. It takes wisdom to realize that our life is ours only to the same extent that the Kingdom was David’s or Solomon’s. The life in us and the breath we take is God’s. The people in our lives, the job we hold, the wealth we have, the talents we possess are all gifts from God. Like Saul, it is easy to forget that. Like Solomon, we can take God’s gifts and misuse them. But like David, we can also be righteous by using our gifts to recognize, be open and build the kingdom. However, only with God’s wisdom can be understand the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Like Solomon, let us pray for an "understanding heart."

Fr. Satish Joseph