8 February 2014
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
We are introduced to another of the great Israelite kings, Solomon, and are told of how he found favor with God via humility. Through this story, we return to the recurring theme through the Bible, individuals who desire riches, prestige, health, or are deemed “successful” by worldly terms are passed over. Rather, God specifically calls individuals who humbly come before God and acknowledge how unfit they are service in God’s Divine majesty.
In the “Principle and Foundation” of the Spiritual Exercises, the person making the retreat is asked not to be fixated on desires of health, wealth, success, or a long life, but to only desire a more loving response to spent their lives with God forever. The Lord acknowledges Solomon’s desire of indifference, “Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested” (I Kings 3:11-12). What are some decisions in which you left the deciding up to God?