Listen and Learn

Feb 3: Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Socrates was known as the wisest man in Athens, because he knew that he knew nothing. Solomon, who predates the Greek philosopher by half a millennium, says something very similar in today’s first reading.

Reading 1

1 Kgs 3:4-13

Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. In Gibeon 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: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. 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. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”

Socrates was a cranky old man when he declared that he knew nothing. And his famous phrase was really a back-handed way of insulting everyone around him, saying that they were even dumber than he was, because at least he knew that he didn’t know.

King Solomon’s sentiment in this reading is similar, but the subtext is drastically different. Solomon is a young man at the time of this story, but unlike most young men, especially though born to high station, he’s humble. He doesn’t assume he knows everything; he doesn’t even assume he knows what to ask from God.

Asking God what we should want is the best prayer of petition there is. It’s hard to tell if our desires come from our broken nature or our higher selves. God will help us discern, if we listen.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
By keeping to your words.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Father Mike once said,¹ it’s not always easy to want what God wants. Sometimes, all we can do is pray for the grace to want to want what God wants. Or, take it a step further—“God, grant me the grace to want to want to want what You want.” And so on, as far back as is necessary.

Eventually, we’ll find the grace to truly seek God’s plan for us. This is a great song for making that petition.

Alleluia

Jn 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. There’s nothing for us to teach Him; we only need to listen to and love Him.

Gospel

Mk 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Jesus needed a break, but the crowds just wouldn’t give Him one! The rushed ahead of His boat to greet Him, and learn from Him. If only we all had such urgency to learn from Jesus!

1. I think it was in the Catechism in a Year?