What would you ask for if God offered you anything? This Sunday, Solomon’s answer points us toward the one gift that helps us recognize what matters most.
In this episode of All Set for Sunday, Scott and Jeff welcome Fr. James Brockmeier to unpack the readings for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time—and discover why wisdom is much more than having the right answers.
In the first reading, Solomon could ask God for riches, power, or a long life. Instead, he asks for “an understanding heart” so he can judge wisely and serve God’s people well (1 Kings 3:9). God is pleased because Solomon does not ask for something merely useful to himself. He asks for the grace to recognize what is good, valuable, and worthy of his attention.
Fr. James explains that wisdom is not the same as knowledge. It is not about winning trivia night, being the smartest person in the room, or cleverly outmaneuvering everyone else. Wisdom helps us see things as God sees them.
A wise person learns to recognize:
- What is good and what is harmful
- What deserves our energy and what distracts us
- What is eternally valuable and what will pass away
- Where God may be leading us in a difficult decision
That wisdom leads directly into Jesus’ parables about the buried treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44–46). The wise person recognizes that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything. Knowing the treasure exists is not enough; wisdom sees its true value and responds with joy, surrender, and commitment.
The good news is that wisdom is not reserved for scholars, saints, or mysterious old men living in caves. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and we can ask for it. When life feels cloudy, we can pray: Lord, help me see what truly matters. Show me what is good. Give me the courage to choose Your will.
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St. Augustine's journey reminds us that true wisdom begins when our hearts rest in God. These socks are a fitting reminder to seek the Lord above every earthly treasure.
