Wisdom Is From The Heart

 

What comes from the heart makes man.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 5th Week in Ordinary Time II, February 7th, 2024
Texts: 1 Kings 10:1-10; Psalm 37; Mark 7:14-23 

Today’s first reading is the appreciation of the wisdom of Solomon. The word of Jesus, in the gospel reading, shows that wisdom is from the heart. Hence, Jesus says, “The things which come out of a man are what defile him." This means what comes from the heart makes man. We are wise because our hearts harbour wise thoughts. 

The word of God is wisdom. If we are to be wise, we are to apply our hearts to the word of God. Today’s Psalm says, “The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue tells forth what is right. The law of his God is in his heart”.  

The wisdom of Solomon makes his environment

The first reading shows that what comes from the heart does not only make man but also makes his environment. The wisdom of Solomon makes his environment. We read, “And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings which he offered at the house of the  Lord, there was no more spirit in her.” 

A wise heart is a blessing to humanity. This is clear in the words of Queen of Sheba: “Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the  Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!” This means to have a peaceful and ordered society we need to seek wisdom, apply our hearts to the word of God.  

Prayer  

God our Father, we thank You for the gift of wisdom to man; help us to apply our hearts to Your word that we may gain wisdom of heart. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke