Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 30, 2023
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Jasper’s 4th Birthday Party
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”
This, like the story of Aladdin and the Genie, the Lamp, and the Three Wishes, lends itself to our own desires. What would I ask for? Would I be humble in the early days, like Solomon? He didn’t turn out so great, did he?
Oh Lord, you have made me king, but I am a mere youth. You have chosen this people, so vast it cannot be counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and distinguish right from wrong.
This is exactly what God wanted to hear. Was he surprised? Had Solomon already shown his wisdom? Certainly he did now, with this request. Although he did sound a little desperate.
Who is able to govern this vast people of yours?
Solomon had heard the story of Moses, and how the people he tried to lead took 40 years to cross a desert which could have been crossed in no more than a few days. What? Solomon didn’t think he was a match for Moses and yet, here he was. Solomon knew the troubles his father David had – his despair at betrayals within his family, disgust at his peoples’ occasional lack of respect for Yahweh, his adultery, his double minded arrogance and self-effacement. And yet, here he was.
The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. “Not for a long life, nor for riches, nor for the deaths of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I will give you what you wish, a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you no one will equal you.”
Even so, Solomon fell. He was kin to Adam and Eve, and thus he was kin to their eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As am I. What would I ask for?
I think I would ask for wisdom about today, and about the party we’ll be having for Jasper, and leave it at that. One day at a time, sweet Jesus. How do we give gifts to our friend and grandson who will be four years old tomorrow? And do we also give a gift to his brother Miles, who is six and will be seven on November 11?
At Farm and Fleet in Urbana I did find jump ropes and a large egg, which when placed in water for 24 hours will hatch into a largish dinosaurish creature. That would occur at approximately 4 pm on Jasper’s birthday. I wonder at what hour he was born. Maybe around 4 pm?
So the jump ropes are for each of them, and the egg is for both of them, and then there are gifts that are just for Jasper. As there will be on November 11 just for Miles.
Sounds OK to me. Wise, even? God’s whisper in my ear, I am confident of this. So now we’ll see what happens this afternoon!
I have said, O Lord, that my part is to keep your words. You are my portion, and the law from your mouth is more precious to me than silver or gold.
(Genesis 49-50, Psalm 105, 1 Peter 4, Matthew 10)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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