"The life of your enemies"

In today’s first reading (1 Kings 3:5, 7-12), God offers Solomon whatever he wants.

Solomon famously asks for wisdom.

God is pleased by this request, because Solomon has not asked for what many might have requested.

Some would have asked for a long life.

Some would have asked for riches.

Some would have asked for the life of their enemies.

This last request resonates strongly today as we react in horror to the bombing and the mass shooting in Norway last Friday.

Was the perpetrator of this horrific crime seeking the life of his enemies? We do not really know.

As for ourselves, may we always ask God for wisdom.