First Reading: (1 Kings 10:1–10)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 37:5–6, 30–31, 39–40)
Response: “The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.”
Alleluia: (John 17:17)
“Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.”
Gospel: (Mark 7:14–23)
Reflection
Today’s mass readings highlights a timeless spiritual tension:
the difference between outward appearance and inward reality.
1. Wisdom That Reveals God
The Queen of Sheba is captivated not merely by Solomon’s wealth, but by the wisdom permeating his entire kingdom. His governance, order, worship, and justice reflect a heart shaped by God.
Her response is deeply instructive:
She praises the Lord, not Solomon.
Authentic wisdom never glorifies the self,
it reveals God.
When a life is anchored in divine truth, others perceive something greater at work. Not spectacle, but grace.
2. The Heart: Source of Purity or Corruption
In the Gospel, Jesus dismantles superficial understandings of holiness. Defilement is not contracted externally but generated internally.
The true battleground is the heart.
From within arise:
envy
greed
deceit
arrogance
malice
pride
Sin is not first behavioral,
it is relational and interior.
Holiness, therefore, is not cosmetic improvement but inner conversion.
3. The Bridge Between the Readings
Solomon’s greatness flowed from a heart aligned with God.
Jesus calls us to guard that same interior sanctuary.
One reading shows the beauty of a heart ordered toward God.
The other warns of the chaos when it is not.
The essential question emerges:
What is taking root within me today?
Is it:
wisdom
peace
humility
generosity
Or:
resentment
comparison
fear
pride?
4. Our Lady of Lourdes (Optional Memorial)
Mary’s presence at Lourdes reminds us that God meets humanity precisely in its fragility. Her message was gentle yet urgent:
Prayer
Repentance
Healing
Trust
Mary embodies the perfectly receptive heart,
one that listens, consents, and reflects God’s light.
Prayer
Lord, purify our hearts.
Cleanse our thoughts, intentions, and desires.
Plant within us wisdom that seeks You,
humility that trusts You,
and love that reflects You.
May our lives bear witness not to ourselves, but to Your truth and mercy.
Amen.
God bless you
Pal Ronnie
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