5th Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Wednesday 7th February 2024

“The just man’s mouth utters wisdom.” The psalmist aptly describes the just man – who speaks what is right, who has the law of God in his heart and whose actions are guided by this wisdom. Rightly so too, this wise person knows salvation is not of one’s own making but from the Lord. It is the Lord who is the refuge, the fortress and the stronghold.

King Solomon, in the readings a few days ago, asked for wisdom “a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil; a discerning judgement.” He was granted this gift by God. Today’s first reading extols his wisdom in governing his people seen from the eyes of Queen Sheba. She fittingly, in her praise of King Solomon’s wisdom, attributed the source of this wisdom – God indeed. “Blessed be the Lord your God who granted you His favour, setting you on the throne of Israel!” And for this wisdom, Queen Sheba gifted him with gold and great quantities of precious stones and herbs.

Jesus, in today’s Gospel reading, emphasises that it is what comes out of a person that makes one clean or not. For it is within, from one’s heart, that either good or evil springs forth. Our basic sustenance and external adornment will not defile us unless it is associated with evil intent. And the just person recognises that this given wisdom corrects one’s heart and one’s actions.

Dear Lord, guide me to pass this day with wisdom.