February 7th, 2006, Saturday of the fourth week in ordinary time.

A reading from the first book of kings. Solomon went to Gibbon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar, Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings. In Gibbean, the Lord appeared to Solomon

in a dream at night. God said, ask something of me, and I will give it to you. 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.

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. I serve you in the midst

of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.

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.

The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request.

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. I do as you request it. 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.

...