The first reading is a reading from the first book of kings.

The queen of Sheba, Sheba, having heard of Solomon's fame, came to test him with subtle questions.

She arrived in Jerusalem with very numerous retinue and with camels bearing spices,

a large amount of gold and precious stones. She came to Solomon,

questioned him on every subject in which she was interested. King Solomon explained everything

she asked about, and there remained nothing hidden from him that he could not explain to her.

When the Queen of Shiva witnessed Solomon's

great wisdom, the palace he had built, the food at his table, the seating of his ministers, the

attendance and garb of his waiters, his banquet service, and the burnt offerings he offered in the

temple of the Lord, she was breathless. The report I heard in my country

about your deeds and your wisdom is true, she told the king. Though I did not believe the report

until I came and saw it with my very own eyes, I have discovered that they were not telling me the

half. Your wisdom and prosperity surpassed the report I heard. Blessed are your men,

blessed those servants of yours who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom.

Blessed be the Lord your God, whom it was pleased to place on you the throne of Israel. In his

enduring love for Israel, the Lord made you king to carry out judgment and justice.

Then she gave the king 120 gold talents, a very large quality of spices and precious stones.

Never again did anyone bring such an abundance of spices as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

The word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

Commit to the Lord your way, trust in him,

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