There will be no better way to prepare for Sunday’s Mass than carefully reading the first reading from the First Book of Kings (3, 5. 7-12). In it, the young King Solomon was granted the grace of choosing what he treasured most. He opted for the great treasure of accepting God to rule his life by doing His will. That is why Solomon requested from God the gift of prudence, “an understanding heart to distinguish right from wrong,” so that he might govern God’s people properly. The Lord God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him “a wise and discerning heart” which enabled him to love and serve the people and, thus, surpass everyone in wisdom.
We are invited to live every moment mindful of what we treasure most and in view of our most precious goal. Most of the time, however, we are chasing false treasures such as money, social status, or worldly pleasures. Thus, the really valuable “pearl” of sharing in God’s life through Jesus here on earth, and later in Heaven, is often elusive.
We would do well to remember that Heaven is within the reach of all of us, at least when we try to do the will of God, faithful to and following the ordinary vocations of our lives. Heaven is also within our reach when we are enjoying this world’s joys and pleasures within the framework of God’s wisdom and teachings. When we do this, we are already living in the Kingdom of Heaven – while we are still on earth.
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A Prayer for Prudence: “Lord our God, help us to grow in prudence, to be patient and kind, to be wise and humble, to be bold but aware of danger, and to be open to correction and ready to repent. Help us grow in the wisdom of the Cross of your Son. In His holy name we pray. Amen.”
