“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” 1 Kings 3:9
Solomon’s request today is interesting. He could have prayed for something that would just benefit him; instead, he prayed for something that would benefit others. Yes, it can be said that he asked for a gift, something him to possess, but it wasn’t with the intention of personal gain – mind you, what he requested was something that comes with great responsibility. Yet, many times, when people pray, it’s an intention that only for themselves. Yes, we may pray for the well-being of others and for souls in purgatory, yet how often do we pray to be given a gift that would benefit others more than us – something that gives us more responsibility and challenges? In the heart of his youth, Solomon empathized with his people and wanted to do right by his people, and so, he asked for the Lord to give him a gift that would help him guide and serve the people of God. Could we say the same thing?
Solomon’s prayer today reminds us then of a few things. First, everything that we have comes from God, especially our talents. Secondly, when we ask the Lord to refine or strengthen these talents or gifts, what we should be seeking – better yet, what are intent should be is always directed toward others. Saint Francis said it best: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Whatever our talent or gift maybe, it’s never for us to possess or boast about; it’s not to make us feel or appear superior to others or hold it over someone else. No. It’s always to do the Lord’s will in helping his people. Afterall, as Saint Teresa of Avila reminds us, we are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
This week, the Church remembers Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, and a true man of service. Having suffered a severe injury in battle, He spent a long-time recuperating, and during this time, he experienced a transformation that helped him understand the meaning and purpose of talents and gifts. It is said that his conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Afterwards, everything his did was to use what God had given to him for the betterment of God’s people. His spirituality and actions are expressed in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam — “for the greater glory of God.” All activity was to be guided by a true love for God – his Church and his people. As we examine our relationship with our talents and gifts, it be good to ask Saint Ignatius of Loyola for his intercession. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us.
In Christ
Fr Robert