Lectionary Notes July 24th
Sorry it’s a bit late – it’s been a hell of a week…
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 17, 2011
Reading 1: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12
Scripture:
The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered:
“O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”
The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him:
“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 give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”
Suggested Questions:
- Who was Solomon?
- What does God tell Solomon to do?
- What does Solomon ask for? What would you have asked for?
- Why is Solomon’s reason for asking for wisdom?
- How does God respond? Why do you think God responds in this way?
- What lesson does this have to teach us in our own petitions to God?
- Have you read any of the Bible’s wisdom literature? Maybe read a proverb or two each day?