SOLOMON IS HERE…

Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures,
3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh
4 and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;7 To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 11:29-32

29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.
30 For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nineveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation.
31 The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
32 The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 

MEDITATION

St PAUL’S EPISTLE to the Romans firstly accredit the apostolic office bearers comprised of the apostles including himself who were specially chosen by Christ to give witness to the message of salvation. Pauls shorthand genealogical account of Christ’s manifestation, death and ressurection is intended to set the platform for his theological discourse to make Christ known to the world, calling upon his audience to become a saintly people. 

THE GOSPEL READING: Christ reminds His hearers of Jonah who demanded a sign. Jonah’s episodic fall overboard into the sea where he spend three days in the belly of the whale, transformed him such that he submitted to God’s calling to evangelize the people of Nineveh to repent of their wicked ways. Additionally Jesus recall the queen of Sheba whose search to find the truth, led to her journey to King Solomon in record time; three years, instead of seven years as was normally the case! Moreover Solomon answered Queen Sheba’s three enigmatic questions that illuminated her understanding and informed her belief in the Hebrew God. Queen Sheba handsomely gifted Solomon with riches, and praised God for his wisdom.

Our Christian faith, beliefs, doctrines and practices were handed down to us by the apostles who preserved and finally documented Christs teachings.The seven Sacraments of the Church are Christs treasures. It is greater than Solomon’s wisdom, because these outward signs impart Gods inward grace to all who appropriate the supernatural transformative signs and words of wisdom that is well recorded in sacred scripture. 

LET US PRAY: Psalms 98:1-4

O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
2 The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.