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.”
REFLECTION
God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
Recently someone sent me a meme. In a big concert hall was one person, no one else, listening and clapping for the person performing. The violinist on stage was her son. "When no one believes in you, there will be your mom still supporting you" was the title.
How beautiful to be loved, supported and cared for.
Solomon, in his youth, was close to God and in a dream God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” And he asked for help in governing and understanding his people. That is how much he loved them, not asking for anything personal. He was given a "wise" heart.
Jesus took pity on the people who followed Him and His disciples. And instead of telling them to leave, or harshly and bluntly speaking to them, He gives them what they need. He showed them a "compassionate" heart.
St Agatha of Sicily was a virgin martyr around 231. She dedicated her life to God but her beauty made many men desire her and make unwanted advances toward her. One such suitor was Quintianus, who thought he could change her mind. She spurned him. His lustful love caused him to have her arrested and come before the judge who happened to be Quintianus. So he was her prosecutor, jury and judge. St Agatha was in a position to make her life easy or keep her promise to God. She prayed, "Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep, make me worthy to overcome the devil."
Mistreatment, torture, being stretched on a rack and whipped never took away her calmness. Her total reliance was on God. As a last ditch effort to have her love, Quintianus ordered her breasts removed. But her Sacred Physician sent St Peter to heal her wounds.
Finally naked, she was thrown into coals filled with shards. And on 251, the Lord received her soul. She had a "peaceful" heart.
It is by the cross we go to heaven. St Agatha's will and heart were God's. She endured all for the love of God.
God loves us as our hearts yearn to be loved. He rules over all things for our goodness and happiness. Thank you for loving, supporting and caring for us. God help us obey your statutes and give us a "wise" heart, a "compassionate" heart and a "peaceful" heart.
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