Fourth Saturday of Ordinary Time

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."

The gift of understanding isn’t something most of us would ask for if God offered to give us any one thing we prayed for. However, it should be first and foremost on our minds when we are praying for God’s intercession in our lives. We should ask Him for the grace to know right from wrong, to choose prudently, and to be good and faithful servants to God and His children. Many of our decisions each day would bear good fruit if we took the time to ask for understanding and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Our thoughts would be more blessed, our words holier, and our actions more pious and pure. And, like Solomon, we would find our lives spiritually richer because of our understanding of God, others, and even ourselves.

What areas of our lives are in need of understanding? How can we make it a habit to pray for this gift of the Holy Spirit? Are we willing to abide by the understanding God sends to us and not turn away from what we know is right?

O Lord, grant us wise and understanding hearts and minds.

Amen.