Reflection on Today's Readings, Saturday of 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, February 5th, 2022
Texts: 1 Kings 3:4-13; Psalm 119:9-14; Mark 6:30-34
Today's first reading should make us ask ourselves the kind of things we ask whenever we pray. What has been the content of our prayers? Are what we ask inspired by the love of God? Some of the time our prayer is motivated by love of this world. We ask for the life of our enemies, we ask for wealth, we ask for power, we ask for fame and influence, to mention but a few. Let us pause for a minute and ask: do I ever ask to be close to God? Do I ever ask to be a faithful follower of Christ? Do I ever ask to be abound in virtues? Do I ever pray for integrity? Do I ever ask that I may serve God with my whole heart? Do I ask for money to advance my kingdom here on earth or to advance the kingdom of heaven? When I get the power what do I want to use it for?
Solomon, in today's first reading, was not selfish about what he asked, he was not motivated by the love of this world. He was motivated by the love of God, by desire to excel in assignment God has entrusted into his hands, he asked for what we benefit the people, He asked for what we help him to maintain justice. This is clear in his words: "'.... And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this great people of yours?'" If we are to ask what pleases God just like Solomon, our prayer must be free of selfishness, it must not be motivated by the love of this world, it must be motivated by the love of God and love of neighbours, it must be motivated by desire to fulfil the purpose of God for us, it most be motivated by desire to advance the kingdom of heaven.
The story of Solomon also teaches us that when we ask what pleases the Lord, we will be answered and given more than what we ask. It is said, "And God said to him, 'Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.'” This reminds us of Christ's words: "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mtt. 6:33).
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God; He has come to teach us and set us free from ignorance and the power of the Devil. He has come to teach us what is right. All we need to be wise and know what is right is to listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to live it out. In today's gospel reading, it is said of Jesus Christ thus: "As he landed he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things."
Lord our God, send us your Spirit to intercede on our behalf and to teach us how to pray and what to ask at prayer. Amen.
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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