Grace Cathedral

1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Today’s readings gives us a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven by reminding us of God’s generosity, indiscriminate love and willingness to listen and respond to our prayers.

In the first reading, God invites Solomon, the newly appointed King, to name anything he wants God to grant him. In humility, and with an earnest desire to govern well God’s people, he asks God to grant him wisdom.

In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds his readers that because of our short-sighted and selfish human nature, we don’t always know what to ask for in prayer, but that God sends us the Spirit—the Spirit of God, which dwells in us (Romans 8:9)—to intercede for us in our weakness. Our generous God, who gave us His Son and His Spirit, would He not give us everything else? Paul continues his argument by assuring us of God’s limitless and unconditional love that cannot, and will not, be withdrawn from us.

God’s generosity and immeasurable love is the hallmark of the Kingdom of Heaven, which the gospel describes as completely desirable. Whoever discovers it surrenders everything in exchange. Similar to a mustard seed, it looks small now, but when nurtured and cared for, it can grow into something bigger that welcomes anyone who approaches and nests in its branches.

As we gather this Sunday in this house of prayer for all people, may we pray for, and truly desire and experience, this Kingdom of Heaven.

Benjamin P. Miralles, Jr. has been a congregant since 2011 and currently serves on our Board of Trustees. Ben has been part of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program and participates in a wide range of ministries.