Today’s readings challenge us to ponder the motives of our words and actions. In our first reading, God assures Solomon that anything he might ask will be granted. He doesn’t ask for anything that is just for himself or anything fleeting. Instead, Solomon asks God for an understanding or listening heart that he may judge according to God’s will. In the gospel, Jesus describes in parables the Kingdom of Heaven. We are left with two questions to ponder this week: What will I ask from God to aid me in doing His will? To what length am I willing to go to build His Kingdom?