5th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 07th February 2024 – 1 Kgs 10,1-10; Mark 7,24-30
Wisdom is of God
The first reading displays Solomon’s wisdom that has been the hallmark of his quality for millennia. Solomon’s reign has been successful. He built the temple in Jerusalem. Now his fame as a wise man has spread throughout the known world of his day. Hearing this, now neighouring people, like the Queen of Sheba, are flocking to him to see what has been reported is really true. When she experiences Solomon’s empire and sees all that he has accomplished and how he answers all of her questions, she declares that the reports of Solomon’s wisdom are under-reported and understated. Solomon manifests even more wisdom than what she has been told. At the end of their meeting, she praises the God of Israel and prays that Solomon may continue his reign in justice and righteousness. The purpose of the queen’s visit was to test Solomon’s wisdom and she asked him questions on all the things she was particularly interested in. But her experience was different, Solomon dealt easily and competently with every problem she posed to him. Finally, Queen Sheba recognized a connection between the wisdom of Solomon and the God he served.
