An understanding heart

“‘Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: …’Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.’” (1 KGS 3: 5. 9)

God appreciated so much Solomon’s prayer: “Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right—I now do as you request.” The Hebrew Bible uses here the expression: an “understanding heart,” which also means a “listening heart.” When I start my day with daily readings, with my “listening heart” I can distinguish “right from wrong” and I can listen to the others with compassion and love.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)