Wisdom
Based on Homily at St. John's
Sunday 26 July 2026
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If you had a choice between winning the lottery euromillions and the gift of wisdom which would you choose? Be honest.
If everyone could choose and did win the lottery and then all they would get back is the amount they paid out (minus administration charges).
But what if only you were the one to be asked?
In this Sunday’s reading from the First Book of Kings, Solomon was presented with such a situation. Chosen by God and promised special treatment, it must have been quite a temptation.
We recognise Solomon made the right decision; after all we expect heroes from the past to do the right thing. But this story is told for our benefit so that we can reflect upon our priorities and ask ourselves about what we makes us tick.
The idea that Solomon chose wisdom is well-known, but what did he mean by ‘wisdom’?
It could have been knowing what would make him rich and powerful. He might have been asking to have the right words to say to win the hearts and minds of those he ruled. Perhaps insights into strategy and tactics would have made him a great general.
It is interesting to hear what Solomon actually asked for:
Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil,
for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?
Solomon did not say he wanted to be wise.
He asked to be able to discern between good and evil.
He wanted the insight to choose the right path and he wanted this gift so that he could govern God’s people. This is a Wisdom that is practical and about making decisions for others.
Notice he does not say ‘govern this people of mine.’
TV and films frequently depict a wise person somewhere up a mountain, staring into the distance, spouting cryptic remarks. They seem to sit apart from the busyness of life meditating on higher things. There is nothing wrong in being like that and indeed we all need to take time out to be with God and recharge our spiritual batteries.
But Solomon was not looking for that. He wanted a gift that would help him in the rough and tumble of life.
Most of us feel that we rush from one thing to another and that when it comes to big choices we have to make decisions quickly. To ask God for Wisdom – one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit – is to invite him into the bustle of life to make us sure footed.
In a world where so many voices clamour for our attention we need a listening ear that homes in on the right message. In a life where we feel that there are so many things to say we pray that we may have the right words at the right time. In a society that so often seems only to pretend to value service we need a resolve and resilience to be there for others.
Wisdom is for busy people who, in the here and now, want everyone to win the lottery of life.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the Gift of Wisdom
FIRST READING - 1 Kings 3:5-6a, 7-12
Give your servant an understanding heart
In those days: The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life, or riches, or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.’
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 119(118):57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 R. cf. v.97
R. O Lord, how I love your law!
You, O Lord, are my portion;
I have promised to obey your words.
The law from your mouth means more to me
than large quantities of silver and gold.
R. O Lord, how I love your law!
Let your merciful love console me
by your promise to your servant.
Show me compassion, that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
R. O Lord, how I love your law!
That is why I love your commands
more than finest gold,
why I rule my life by your precepts,
and hate false ways.
R. O Lord, how I love your law!
Your decrees are wonderful indeed;
therefore my soul obeys them.
The unfolding of your word gives light,
and understanding to the simple.
R. O Lord, how I love your law!
Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. Romans 8:28-30
He predestined us to become true images of his Son
Brothers and sisters: We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel according to Matthew. Matthew 13:44-46
He sells everything he owns and buys the field
At that time: Jesus said to the crowd: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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