＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

１Kings 3:5, 7-12

 It was in Gibeon,

during the night, that Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what you want me to give you.”

And now, O Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything. Mean­time, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen – a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

 Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing your peo­ple that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?”

Yahweh was pleased that Solo­mon had made this request. And he told him, “Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.

I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.

 

Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130  (97a)

Lord, I love your commands.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

Romans 8:28-30

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him, whom he has called according to his plan. Those whom he knew beforehand, he has also predestined to be like his Son, similar to him, so that he may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

And so, those whom God predestined he called, and those whom he called he makes righteous, and to those whom he makes righteous he will give his Glory.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Matthew 13:44-52

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.

Again the kingdom of heav­en is like a trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away.

That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them into the blazing fur­nace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth.”

 Jesus asked, “Have you un­der­stood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. So he said to them, “You will see that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

Read:

Yahweh affirms Solomon for seeking what is good, not for himself, but for God’s people. Being wise is being able to discern what God wants. Jesus iterates that a wise disciple knows what he ultimately wants and gives up all to get it.

Reflect:

Happiness nowadays is understood as having more to get. The more the merrier. It is not really true. shoppers go to a mall with many displays. But it could take them hard hours to choose. Then they go home regretful of what they bought.

The truly free goes to a mall with a single choice knowing very well what he wants. Jesus’ parables this Sunday exhibits one thing-there is spontaneous decision for someone who knows how to discern the pearl of great price. Everything else becomes disposable when we have God.

Pray:

We pray for those looking for direction in life, those who are enslaved by many things and have difficulty deciding what is best for them.

Act:

Talk to your children or students or out-of school youth and help them layout their many plans in life. Facilitate a discernment process for them.