Fifth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

"The report I heard in my country about your deeds and your wisdom is true," she told the king. "Though I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes, I have discovered that they were not telling me the half. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard. Blessed are your men, blessed these servants of yours, who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom. Blessed be the LORD, your God, whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of Israel. In his enduring love for Israel, the LORD has made you king to carry out judgment and justice."

Wisdom and deeds can go a long way toward showing others what it means to be Christian. Just as Solomon showed the Queen of Sheba the goodness of the Lord, so we can be reflections of God’s Goodness to others. We do this best when we listen to our consciences, order our lives prudently, do good and avoid evil. When others see our spiritual prosperity, they will be attracted to our faith, hope, and charity. As the song says, they will know we are Christians by our love, which mirrors the love God has given us. By living wise and good lives, we become lights to the world and salt to the earth. We show our family, friends, neighbors, and strangers there is another way to live... a holy way that leads to heaven and eternal life with our Lord and God.

Do we listen to our consciences and do with is right? How do our thoughts, words, and works reflect the goodness of God? How can we align our lives more perfectly with God’s Will?

O Lord, bless us with your wisdom and goodness.

Amen.