Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, July 25, 2026

Do we live “me” or “we” lives? It’s a question Solomon faced when the Lord came to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I should give to you.” It sounds like a great deal. Solomon simply had to consider whether he was more concerned with himself or with his people. He faced a “me or we” moment. Instead of fame, power, or riches, he asked for wisdom. His answer to God’s question determined the quality of his relationships with God and with others for the rest of his life.

Do we focus on ourselves or on others who may be with us or around us? Do we live as insulated and isolated individuals or as persons connected to and interdependent with others? These are questions each of us faces and answers every day as we say our prayers, make decisions, establish priorities, and live our lives. Are we so wrapped up in “me” that we fail to even notice we are with other people? What do we consider to be of great value in our lives? If we are “me” people, we might point to our new Mercedes or our ski house at Mammoth. Those may be earthly “treasures” but do they have eternal value? A “we” focused person would gladly give up everything for wisdom, or for eternal health for children or grandchildren.

Look at the world today, read the news, reflect on your own relationships. If there is conflict there is probably also a “me” attitude. The choice between me and we exists in marriages and families. It also contributes to prejudice and discrimination, as well as the hardened moral positions we so often take against each other. Where there is conflict, it’s likely that the conflicting parties are focused on “me” rather than “we.”

Solomon knows that a listening heart and an understanding mind are more valuable than traditional signs of kingship. The Hebrew words help unpack the richness in Solomon’s response. In Hebrew, the word “to listen” is the same word for “to obey.” Each day we are presented with the question that Solomon was asked. “If you could have anything in the world, what would you want?” How we answer that question will be determined by the kind of person that we are, and will determine the kind of person that we will become.

Fr. Mike