Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. (1 Kings 3:9)
UNDERSTANDING HEART: If we, God’s humble servants, were granted a request similar to the one made by David, it sure would be much easier to live the life to which we have been called.
If we had “an understanding heart,” we wouldn’t feel the need to stand in judgment of others. We would look not with a critical eye, but with an understanding heart. Compassion would replace judgment. Love would replace condemnation.
If we had the ability “to distinguish right from wrong,” we would not be swept away by temptation or grounded by fear. We could navigate the morality minefield of our lives and remain whole.
What David learned, and what we should recognize, is that the gifts of an understanding heart and ability to distinguish right from wrong have already been given to us, along with the gift of free will. We certainly have no problem exercising our free will. We just need to unwrap the other gifts and use them.
From the Deacon's Desk 
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