In whom do you find motivation? In whom do you find inspiration? What is it that motivates or inspires you? Take some time to read our Readings for the Day today and just think about what motivates you, who inspires you?
My dad was one who inspired me. He wasn’t a motivational speaker although he had a number of great dad jokes. He was a man who did things, a lot of things, and looking back upon his life, he did them for one main purpose – his family. My dad taught me the job you worked, or in his case, the jobs you worked where not what defined the man, but the vocation you chose and the way you devoted yourself to that vocation was what was important. My dad loved his family – it was his vocation. He worked countless hours every week to feed us, to educate us, to allow us to play sports, to take the occasional family vacation. My dad took pride in the work he did not because it made him a big man in society, but it made him a big man at home. So to you dad, thanks for the inspiration you’ve passed on to me; I take the same pride in my work, but more importantly my family and more than my family, my faith in God.
So I gotta ask – if you were approached by God and He said…“Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”, what would it be that you asked for? The winning lottery ticket? The answers to the German test your about to take? How about a big tip as your parking cars on the Valet circuit? Better than the big tip, how about a Tesla pulling up that you get to Valet park? If given that opportunity, what would you request? Take a lesson from Solomon this morning…Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
Pretty simple stuff here – let me know the difference between right and wrong in order to judge people’s hearts fairly. Maybe they should swear in all our Representatives and Senators, Presidents and Justices with this same request from God…Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. Moms and Dads would do well making this their mantra when it comes to dealing with their children. Children would do well when dealing with their parents. Teachers, lawyers, Priests…I think you get my point. How great would this world be if we all started our morning with the following request from God? Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
I think I can give you an idea of how great it would be…
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.”
Do something great for our Lord today – live your life as an inspiration to others. Seek not what is best for you but what is best for those who trust in you. Pray for the heart to know what is right and what is wrong and act accordingly.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 