Breaking the Word

5^th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 08^th February 2024 — Gospel: Mark 7,24-30

Human Infidelity and Divine Fidelity

In the first reading we find how Solomon, as his life progressed, moved steadily downhill. The sacred writer implies that Solomon fell greatly into sin by succumbing to the three temptations of lust, pride, and greed due to the influence of many foreign wives. The writer also highlights that twice in the past God had appeared to Solomon: the first time when he asked Solomon what special gift he wanted and Solomon, setting aside wealth and military power, had asked for wisdom. In the second vision, just after Solomon had completed the Temple, Yahweh had promised many blessings on Solomon. But now God is angry with him, especially because of his repeated idolatry and his violation of the covenant. Solomon had broken the most basic demands of the covenant and thereby severely undermined the covenant the entire covenant relationship between God and his people.  When the Lord confronted Solomon’s father, David with his sin, he immediately repented and asked for mercy. By contrast, when the Lord confronted Solomon there was silence. Although the Lord was angry against Solomon, yet for the sake of David, God remains faithful to the covenant despite human infidelity.

5^th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 07^th 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.