It is 7th February 2018. The readings are from 1 Kings 10:1-10 and the Gospel from Mark 7:14-23. Wisdom of God attracts everyone who searches for the same. When we prioritize God and the ways of God, we are offered such wisdom by the Spirit of God. In the first reading, the fame and glory of Solomon’s wisdom spreads beyond the borders of his rule. From 1600 kilometres, Queen Sheba, an Arab queen admired the wisdom of Solomon came to visit him to listen and to find answers for her search. Having been answered to all her questions, she showered Solomon with gold, precious stones and spices. The greatness of Solomon and his reputation displayed in his mighty structures, accommodation he offered, the organised style of living and the sumptuous food left the queen breathless and leading her to intone a prayer: “How happy are these servants of yours who wait on you always and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the Lord your God who has granted you his favour, setting you on the throne of Israel.” (1 Kgs.10:9). The responsorial Psalm praises, “The just man’s mouth utters wisdom.” (Ps.36:30). The Gospel encourages us to find meaning in our inner cleanliness that is basis for the birth of wisdom. God’s wisdom cannot afford to live in a heart that is evil. God offers wisdom for the one who has the right relationship and intimacy with God. No one can make us evil unless and until we yield to such evil tendencies. Somewhere along the line, the writing on the walls of our souls is visibly seen by us the way we utter and express our deep intentions. Wisdom cannot come from a heart filled with the evil intent. It is the intent and the content of the heart that makes us to relate with the others through wisdom-filled living and speaking. “For it is from within, from people’s hearts, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride folly.” (Mk.7:22). Our holiness is not an outward display of some human behaviour rather it is the display of pure heart in our actions. Jesus pointed out clean the web of sin right within our heart to experience the Wisdom of the Father. Our enlightenment comes from Jesus and encountering Jesus, the Wisdom of God. May you have a good day. God bless you.