St. Matthew Catholic Church

Fr. Danny Grover

In our first reading this weekend, we see the encounter between Solomon and God. God tested Solomon and much like we would see in a Disney movie, God offers Solomon one wish. “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” For many of us, when we think about a genie, or a fortune teller, we think about what we want, what we think will complete us or make us happy, rarely do we think about the good of others, let alone what others may need, but that is exactly how Solomon responded when asked by God.

The Wisdom of Solomon is second to none in history, as we are told in today’s reading. He didn’t wish for money, or health, or anything else truly for himself, he wished and prayed for the ability to attain wisdom to discern and to understand the Truth and between what was objectively right and wrong. Most of us when confronted with the same question probably wouldn’t even consider that as an option, and that alone shows how wise young Solomon was, and how his faith had not only been tested, but had been blessed by God.

Growing up, many of us have heard the old Disney quote, “always let your conscience be your guide.” We fondly, or begrudgingly hear the voice of Jiminy Cricket reciting that line to Pinocchio as he grows up and begins to make decisions both right and wrong. How blessed would we truly be if we were to actually follow our consciences and listen to the gentle guiding of the Spirit away from sin and towards the will of God?