Giving to others pleases God

By Norm McGraw

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020522.cfm
I Kings 3:4-13
Mark 6:30-34

Reflecting upon this week’s readings for the Saturday Mass made me consider how I relate to God when I pray to Him. It made me ponder not only what favors or help I ask of the Creator, but also what He must think of me when I do. 

After all, when you pray, you’re talking to the Supreme Being who knows past, present, and future. His response gives us an insight on how He views us.

Indeed, this week’s readings do. The first reading, from the first book of Kings, explains God’s view of us. The second reading, from the 6th chapter of Mark, explains God’s teaching.  And Agatha of Sicily, the saint the Church venerates this week, is a prime example of someone understanding God’s word.

The first reading, (1 Kings 3:4-13), concerns God’s appearance to Solomon in Gibeon at night in a dream. God says something to David’s successor to the throne of Israel that any one of us would love to hear: “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”

However, Solomon’s response was something many of us would have not said.

“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right and wrong.”

Amazing. Solomon was not asking for personal riches. He was not asking for power. He was asking for wisdom in his decisions in ruling for his people. 

God was so pleased with Solomon’s wish that He GAVE him riches.

The second reading (Mark 6:30-34) focuses on God’s teaching. “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.”

What did Jesus teach them?

Well, certainly the greatest commandment, which is stated in Matthew 22:37-38. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Saint Agatha of Sicily (231-251 AD) certainly exemplified this love. Born to a rich and noble family, the 15-year-old took a vow of virginity, rejecting advances of the Roman prefect Quintianus. Because he was rejected, he sent her to a brothel. But she refused to submit. Then he imprisoned and tortured her.

The torture she went through would make some horror films seem like a Disney movie. It’s not surprising that she is considered the patron saint of rape victims as well as martyrs.

Throughout it all, Saint Agatha reaffirmed her faith. Reportedly, she said: “Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep; make me worthy to overcome the devil.”

I don’t think any of us are going to be blessed with the wisdom of Solomon or encounter the horrors of Saint Agatha, but their actions serve as an insight on conversing with God.

For Solomon, the greatest reward was in GIVING — his gift of wisdom to his people. With Saint Agatha, her love of God helped her endure the unendurable. 

In your own life, weren’t the moments you helped someone — family member, friend, stranger — moments you felt truly rewarded?

Aren’t those the moments that God is really pleased with us?