First Reading

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12 (JB)

A reading from the first book of the Kings

You have asked for wisdom.

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, 'Ask what you would like me to give you.' Solomon replied, 'Lord, my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours that you have chosen, a people so many its numbers cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?' It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this. 'Since you have asked for this' the Lord said 'and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies, but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.'

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 118:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130 (JB)

R. Lord, I love your commands.

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,
is to obey your word.
The law from your mouth means more to me
than silver and gold. R.

Let your love be ready to console me
by your promise to your servant.
Let your love come to me and I shall live
for your law is my delight. R.

That is why I love your commands
more than finest gold.
That is why I rule my life by your precepts:
I hate false ways. R.

Your will is wonderful indeed;
therefore I obey it.
The unfolding of your word gives light
and teaches the simple. R.

Second Reading

Romans 8:28-30 (JB)

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans

He predestined us to become true images of his Son.

We know that by turning everything to their good God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those that he has called according to his purpose. They are the ones he chose specially long ago and intended to become true images of his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers. He called those he intended for this; those he called he justified, and with those he justified he shared his glory.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 11:25 (JB)

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia!

Gospel

Matthew 13:44-52 (JB)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

He sells everything he owns and buys the field.

Jesus said to the crowds, 'The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

'Have you understood all this?' They said 'Yes.' And he said to them, 'Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.'

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.