When I was in grade school, I thought prayer was asking God for things. So, that’s how I prayed till I was an adult. “Papa Jesus, help me ace my exams.” “God, I really want this for Christmas.” “Lord, help me do well in my job interview.”

Today, prayer has become the space where I can connect with God. I share my innermost thoughts and desires. I also  try to listen to Him and make sense of what He wants for me, instead of just a one-sided conversation. By opening myself to God’s plans and the way He wants to bless me, my relationship with Him deepened. I see everything as God’s grace.

In our reading today, God honors King Solomon’s selflessness and goes over and above what he initially asked for. He only asked for wisdom, but God threw in riches and honor that no other king could ever attain.

When we set our hearts on God, and not just on His blessings, we get so much more in return! 

Patrick Gamo (charlespatrickgamo@gmail.com)

reflect

Spend a few minutes in prayer today, but allow space to listen to Him.

Lord, You know the innermost desires of my heart. I offer them fervently to You, and I open myself to Your plans and blessings.

Blessed Pius IX, pray for us.

By seeking the wisdom of a good shepherd leader, Solomon shows God that his heart’s desire is to do what is right for the people he leads, not just for himself. For the most part, Solomon leads well—he consolidates the lands David won through war and cares for the people of Israel. However, toward the end of his reign, he succumbs to a life of luxury and splendor. 

⁴ Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. ⁵ In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” ⁶ Solomon answered: “You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. ⁷ O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. ⁸ I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. ⁹ Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” ¹⁰ The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. ¹¹ 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 —¹² 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. ¹³ In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R: Lord, teach me your statutes.

⁹ How shall a young man be faultless in his way? By keeping to your words. (R) ¹⁰ With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. (R) ¹¹ Within my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you. (R) ¹² Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. (R) ¹³ With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth. (R) ¹⁴ In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches. (R)

Gospel | Mark 6:30-34

Leaders, pastors, and priests need to ensure that they do not leave their flocks without a shepherd. Jesus is saddened by how the people have been neglected by their leaders who are too busy enriching themselves and enjoying the pleasures of life. This is a travesty of leadership. Negligent leaders will be held accountable by God for their actions—or in this case, their lack of action. 

Gospel Acclamation

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

³⁰ The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. ³¹ He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. ³² So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. ³³ People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. ³⁴ When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Reflect

“Be shepherds with the smell of your sheep, in the midst of your people like Jesus the Good Shepherd.” (Pope Francis)

Read the Bible in one year! Read 2 CORINTHIANS 1 - 4 today.

Rest is essential not just for the body, but also for the soul. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus invites His disciples to a secluded place to renew their energies. After a period of constant activity, He recognizes that His disciples need spiritual renewal, not just physical rest.

For Jesus, rest is a time for purposeful renewal and reflection. He leads His disciples to a “deserted place,” a quiet space where they can step away from the crowd. This rest is essential for recovery and spiritual growth, providing the energy needed to continue serving others.

True rest is not about idleness or escaping life’s pressures. In a world that values busyness, rest is often misunderstood as laziness. However, Jesus shows us that true rest is about physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal. It’s not avoiding responsibilities, but finding peace in stillness and reconnecting with what nourishes the soul.

True rest prepares us to return to our tasks with renewed energy. It’s found not only in moments of respite, healthy pleasure, and passion, but also in moments of joy spent with others—like a mother caring for her children or a father tending to his family. Rest is also found in prayer, where we entrust our worries to God and allow His peace to fill us. This type of rest strengthens us to serve others with love.

Fr. Paolo Asprer, SSP

reflection question

What kind of rest do you need at the moment? 

Lord, grant me the peace to rest in Your gentle presence, renewing my body, mind, and soul. Amid the chaos of life, help me find stillness and anchor myself in Your boundless love and grace. May I always seek You for the strength to rest, recover, and continue the work You’ve entrusted to me. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _______________________________