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“Give your servant … an understanding heart.” (1 Kings 3:9)
If a genie suddenly appeared and offered to grant you three wishes, what would you ask for? A bigger retirement savings account? A better job? A new car? This is the kind of offer that God made to Solomon. And what did he ask for? Wisdom, of all things! Of course, Solomon also got the riches thrown in as well, so maybe he didn’t make such a bad choice after all.
As promising as Solomon’s start was, we know that after several years of building the Temple and acquiring many wives and possessions, Solomon’s heart was led astray (1 Kings 11:4). He began to worship foreign gods, and he let the Israelites—God’s chosen people—get mixed up with the pagan nations around them. It seems that Solomon lost sight of God and stopped seeking the wisdom that he so eagerly desired in his early years.
Jesus probably had this kind of story in mind in today’s Gospel reading when he took his apostles away to “rest a while” after their first preaching mission (Mark 6:31). The twelve must have been very excited as they saw demons submitting to them. Jesus knew that if they took off on another mission without first reconnecting with the Lord, they might collapse and burn out along the way. He wanted to prevent them from falling into the same trap that Solomon fell into when he went too long without seeking fresh wisdom from God.
Take a lesson from Solomon! Every day, find a “deserted place” where you can retreat for a little while. Sit with Jesus and let him speak his wisdom into your life. It may be a quiet spot in your house, or a favorite park bench by the lake, or, even better, at church in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Wherever it is, make it a point to put aside all the distractions, worries, and clutter of the day. Read a passage of Scripture, or say some familiar prayers, or just sit quietly before the Lord. However you choose to spend your time, know that the Lord is thrilled with your choice, and he will reward you with fresh insights, renewed strength for the journey, and deep peace.
“Jesus, I want to come away with you for a while. Refresh me, renew me, and strengthen me. Then send me out to build your kingdom.”
Psalm 119:9-14; Mark 6:30-34
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