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July 30, 2023Reflection for 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 30, 2023
1 Kings 3:5, 7-12: When invited by God to ask for something, Solomon is simultaneously promised by God that he will receive what he requests. Solomon could have requested something selfish… like money, wealth or power. Instead, he asks for wisdom, diplomacy and right judgment. God is pleased, and, as promised; grants Solomon’s request. Let’s take time this week to pray for wisdom, diplomacy and right judgment for ourselves in our day-to-day decision-making. Let’s also meditate on the fact that when God invited Solomon to choose a gift, God had already “gifted” Solomon with the desire for wisdom, diplomacy and right judgment. God had already been there! Isn’t that a marvelous thought? Even our desires to become more loving, wise and holy are a gift from God!
Psalm 119: “Lord, I love Your Commands.” If we’re reflecting on growing in wisdom, love and diplomacy, then we must focus on obedience to God’s Commandments. We’ve been told that “to obey, respect and fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10). When we’re obedient and adhere to God’s Commandments, we learn more about God and become more like God; wiser! As exulted by the psalmist in verse two of today’s psalm, God’s kindness and compassion come to us when we truly make efforts to listen to God and conform ourselves to God’s Holy Will for us. As the psalmist continues to express their appreciation for God’s Commands, we’re led to reflect on the order and peace that God’s Commandments have given to the world. The Commandments provide a foundation for world peace and justice! Do we value the Commandments as a great gift to us? Ponder that!
Romans 8: 28-30: As we ponder today’s focus on obedience to God and its effects on imparting wisdom to us; let’s also consider the fact that we can’t grow in relationship and intimacy with God, unless we demonstrate obedience. If we’re disobeying God’s Commands, we’re actually turning away from God and refusing to listen to God’s priorities for us. If obedience brings order and peace and harmony to our lives, then disobedience brings the opposite: disorder, turmoil and chaos/disharmony. Which scenario for our life will we choose? St. Paul clearly advocates for us to “conform ourselves to the image of God’s Son, Jesus!” Jesus is our purest role-model for obedience and conformity to God’s Will. Another ponderous role-model for Holy Obedience is Jesus’ Holy Virgin Mother! Jesus and Mary, pray for us all to grow in obedience and in conformity to God’s Will for us. Amen.
Matt 13:44-52: As Jesus relates to us this lovely parable about “investing our all” to “purchase,” or “possess” the Kingdom of God, let’s consider that obedience to God’s Commands demonstrates our investment in the Kingdom and our complete devotion to God as called for by our Lord, Himself. After all, we’re not just called to give up all of our money and possessions and other “investments” in order to “purchase” or “belong” to the Kingdom; we’re in reality being called to give up our will, in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Ponder that this isn’t as easy as it may sound. We have deep-seated habits, vices and sins that may make it difficult for us to “close the deal” and make the investment.
Dear Lord, Help us to truly give all in order to enter the Kingdom. Cause us to unreservedly obey.
An opportunity!
Deacon Matt