SAINT SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN (MEMORIAL)

Solomon had not obeyed him. 

Early in his reign, King Solomon had a dream in which God told him to ask for anything. When Solomon requested wisdom, God was greatly pleased and promised to give Solomon a heart so wise and discerning that “there has never been anyone like you” (1 Kings 3:12).

So looking at today’s first reading, you might wonder, What happened to the wisest man who ever lived?

In the world’s eyes, Solomon was a success. He undertook many publics works projects, increased trade, and formed favorable political alliances, all the time increasing Israel’s power and influence.

But God looks at the heart, and he didn’t like what he saw in Solomon’s. By the end of Solomon’s life, corruption had set in. The man who had once built a fabulous Temple for the Lord was now building temples to false gods all over Israel. At the same time, other “gods” had taken hold of Solomon’s life. Wealth, power, and his numerous wives and concubines became more important to him than God.

When commenting on this reading, Pope Francis noted that Solomon’s “weakness of the heart” was “a slow journey that slides along step by step.” Francis warns that this gradual distancing from God is something that can happen to any of us as well. “You don’t even realize it, but slowly you slip” (Homily, February 13, 2020).

It’s interesting that we don’t hear any response from Solomon when God expresses his displeasure with how he is living (1 Kings 11:14-40). It seems that despite all his wisdom, Solomon never confessed his sins. He never sought to repair his relationship with the Lord or tried to undo the damage he had caused to God’s people.

How can we avoid falling into the same trap as Solomon? Pope Francis urges us to stay alert “for the grace to understand when our heart begins to weaken and to slide.” By keeping ourselves focused on God’s presence, we will become more aware of when we start slipping away from him. Then, with a simple prayer of repentance and surrender, we can find the strength to stand fast.

“Lord, keep me alert to your presence so that I won’t give in to sin.”

Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40
Mark 7:24-30
1 Kings 11:4-13