Solomon had the wisest and most understanding heart ever (1 Kgs 3:12), but "when Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to strange gods, and his heart was not entirely with the Lord, his God, as the heart of his father David had been" (1 Kgs 11:4). Solomon's name means "peace," and he had an exceptionally peaceful reign until he turned his heart away from the Lord. Then wars and civil war emerged from his heart.

When the Lord changed our hearts at our Baptism (see Ez 36:26), He gave us new names and made us new creations (see Gal 6:15). From this new heart comes forth "love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity" (Gal 5:22-23) instead of "acts of fornication, theft, murder, adulterous conduct, greed, maliciousness, deceit, sensuality, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, an obtuse spirit" (Mk 7:21-22). Therefore, let us be faithful to our baptismal promises, keep our hearts in Jesus, and be our new and true selves.

Learn from the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be "gentle and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29). Ask Mary, with her immaculate heart, to lay bare the thoughts of many hearts, including your own (Lk 2:35). May the word of God judge "the reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12). Then may God's word burn and purify our hearts (Lk 24:32). Sacred Heart of Jesus, turn our hearts ever more to You and never away from You, our Baptism, and our true selves.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, July 28, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 1999