As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, “You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.”
(1 Kings 4-5, niv)
Solomon, through his personal relationship with God, found himself blessed with wisdom, as well as with earthly riches. He had no uncertainty relative to the existence of God, or what the Lord demanded from him. God demanded Solomon to live with integrity, follow His laws, and all would be his. His subjects could also live in safety, each with his own plot of land, which would give forth its bounty to all.
This situation sounds even better than a return to Eden, because knowledge was no longer forbidden. A life of perpetual bliss represented a choice rather than a default. Obedience to God’s commandments for living righteously would appear as an easy selection to choose, since the outcome appeared certain.
In a time of constant warfare, inequity, and unimaginable catastrophe sureness provided by God within a man’s grasp would be a balm to any troubled soul. As we struggle financially, ethically, and spiritually, knowing that God exists, loves you, and asks only obedience to His laws embodies a comfort beyond the hopes of ordinary people. A king with extraordinary wisdom should have no problem embracing the gifts with which God has endowed him.
But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. (1 Kings 9:6-7)
In life, wisdom, and thought, for some reason, IF constantly emerges. Solomon gradually turned away from all he knew represented righteousness, and strayed into the realm of idolatry and excessive love of earthly pleasures. These sins occurred after a man of unparalleled astuteness turned away from what he knew to be God’s commandments, and jeopardized the well-being of his subjects along with his own.
Regardless of how intelligent and blessed, humans continue to turn away from God’s love and wisdom. Only God can understand how Solomon (and we) could veer from a path leading to joy and blessings into that journeying into sin and hopelessness.
“Lord, guide us in your gentle mercy, for left to ourselves we cannot do your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Cathedral of St. Matthew.com)
Contributed by Carol
Monday March 12, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 16
Liturgical Color: Purple
Sunday Gospel reading
Third Sunday in Lent