First Reading
1 K 3, 5.7-12
The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night, in a dream and said, "Ask what you
want me to give you." And now, O Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king
in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to
undertake anything. Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you
have chosen - a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted. Give
me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing your people that I may discern
between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?"
Yahweh was pleased that Solomon had made this request. And he told him, "Because
you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your
enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is
right, I shall grant you your request. I now give you a wise and discerning mind such
as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.
Responsorial Psalm
You are my portion, O Lord;
I have promised to obey your word.
Your law is more precious to me
than heaps of silver and gold.
Comfort me then with your unfailing love,
as you promised your servant.
Let your mercy come to give me life,
for your law is my delight.
I love your commandments more than gold
-the finest gold-.
Because my steps are guided
by your precepts, I hate all false ways.
Wonderful are your decrees;
my soul cannot but keep them.
As your words unfold, light is shed,
and the simple-hearted understand.
Second Reading
Rom 8, 28-30
We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him, whom he
has called according to his plan. Those whom he knew beforehand, he has also
predestined to be like his Son, similar to him, so that he may be the Firstborn among
many brothers and sisters. And so, those whom God predestined he called, and those
whom he called he makes righteous, and to those whom he makes righteous he will
give his Glory.
Gospel
Mt 13, 44-52
Jesus said to the crowds. The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.
The one who finds it buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells
everything he has, in order to buy that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like a
trader who is looking for fine pearls. Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality,
he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is
like a big fishing net let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been
caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the
good fish in buckets, but throw the worthless ones away. That is how it will be at the
end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just and throw them
into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth." Jesus asked,
"Have you understood all these things?" "Yes," they answered. So he said to them,
"You will see that every teacher of the Law who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is
like a householder who can produce from his store things both new and old."