Readings: 1 Kings 10:1-10, Mark 7:14-23
The Queen of Sheba was genuinely impressed by King Solomon and told him so: “The report I heard in my country about your deeds and your wisdom is true,” she told the king. “Though I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes, I have discovered that they were not telling me the half. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard. Blessed are your men, blessed these servants of yours, who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom. Blessed be the LORD, your God, whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of Israel. In his enduring love for Israel, the LORD has made you king to carry out judgment and justice.” This was not flattery, lies told to manipulate him, but real praise. The praises the Queen spoke to the son of David equally apply to Jesus Christ.
When we perceive good things in another, we should note and compliment it. Not only does this encourage and help that person, but it benefits us as well; it increases our humility, gratitude, and joy. We should especially praise God, not because He needs it (though He appreciates it,) but because the praise which comes “from within the man, from his heart,” helps to sanctify him. As one Mass Preface says, “You have no need of our praise, yet our desire to thank You is itself Your gift. Our prayer of thanksgiving adds nothing to Your greatness, but makes us grow in Your grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
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