Let us strive for true authenticity.

 

Authenticity means being consistent in word and deed,

 

When I’m authentic those voices are in harmony.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 10:1-10

The queen of Sheba

Heard about Solomon's fame, and came to test him with difficult questions.

She arrived in Jerusalem with a vast retinue and with camels loaded with spices and an abundance of gold and precious stones.

When she came to Solomon, she told him all that she had on her mind and Solomon answered all her questions.

There was nothing that the king could not explain to her.

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,

the food on his table, the residence of his officials, the attendance of his servants and their clothing,

his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings which he offered at Yahweh's house, it left her breathless.

 

Then she said to the king, "All that I heard in my own land concerning you and your wisdom was true.

But I did not believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. And what did I see!

I was told only half the story; for your wisdom and wealth surpass the report I heard.

Fortunate are your wives! Fortunate are your servants who are ever in your presence and hear your wisdom!

 

Blessed be Yahweh your God, who has looked kindly on you and has put you on the throne of Israel!

Because of Yahweh's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so that you may dispense justice and righteousness."

Then she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in abundance, and precious stones.

Such an abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon was never again seen.

 

Ps 37:30-31, 39-40

The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Mark 7:14-23

Jesus then called the people to him again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and try to understand.

Nothing that enters a person from the outside can make that person unclean.

It is what comes from within that makes a person unclean. Let everyone who has ears listen.

"When Jesus got home and was away from the crowd, his disciples asked him about this saying, and he replied,

"So even you are dull? Do you not see that whatever comes from outside cannot make a person unclean,

 

since it enters not the heart but the stomach, and is finally passed out?" Thus, Jesus declared that all foods are clean.

And he went on, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him, for evil designs come out of the heart:

theft, murder, adultery, jealousy, greed, maliciousness, deceit, indecency, slander, pride and folly.

All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Let us strive for true authenticity.

In today's gospel, Jesus continues his rebuke of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the Scribes.

He reminds us that true holiness is not about external acts and rituals but what resides within our hearts. He declares,

"Nothing that enters from the outside can defile a person, but what comes out from within."

This challenges us to examine our inner lives – our thoughts, desires, and words –

because these reveal who we truly are before God.

Authenticity in faith involves aligning our hearts with God's heart

so that what flows from us our words and actions – reflects His goodness and love.

 

Too often, we concentrate on appearances, but God perceives beyond the surface.

He calls us to inner transformation, not just external observance.

If our hearts are filled with pride, anger, or selfishness, our words and actions will reflect those emotions.

However, if we cultivate love, humility, and mercy, we will radiate God's goodness.

Let us strive for true authenticity, living with pure hearts and lives that glorify God.