A Divided Heart or a Humble Faith?

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A Divided Heart or a Humble Faith?

Readings:
First Reading  - 1 Kings 11:4–13
Responsorial Psalm -- Psalm 106:3–4. 35–37. 40
Alleluia  - James 1:21
Gospel Reading   - Mark 7:24–30

Today’s readings place before us a powerful contrast: a king with a divided heart and a foreign woman with unwavering faith. Through their stories, we are invited to examine our own hearts.

When the Heart Drifts

In 1 Kings 11, we see the tragic turning point of Solomon’s life. The man who once asked God for wisdom slowly allows his heart to be led astray. Influenced by foreign alliances and attachments, he begins to worship other gods. Scripture says plainly: “His heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God.”

This is sobering. Solomon did not reject God overnight. His fall began gradually—with compromises, divided loyalties, and subtle shifts in devotion.

Psalm 106 echoes this warning. The people “mingled with the nations and learned to do as they did.” They adopted practices that drew them away from God. Spiritual decline often begins with small accommodations.

A divided heart eventually leads to distance from God.

Receiving the Word Planted Within

James gives us the remedy:
“Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

The Word must not just be heard—it must be received with humility. A proud heart resists correction. A distracted heart forgets. But a humble heart allows God’s Word to take root, grow, and transform.

Solomon’s tragedy was not lack of wisdom—it was lack of continued surrender.

The Faith of the Outsider

In striking contrast, Mark 7 presents us with a Syrophoenician woman—an outsider, a Gentile. She approaches Jesus boldly, pleading for her daughter’s healing. Even when faced with what seems like a hard response, she does not retreat.

Her reply reveals extraordinary humility and faith:
“Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

She does not demand status. She trusts in mercy.

And Jesus responds: her daughter is healed.

Here is the beautiful paradox:
Solomon, who had every spiritual privilege, drifted away.
This woman, who had no claim by birth, clung to faith and received grace.

Examining Our Own Hearts

These readings gently ask us:

  • Is my heart fully devoted to God, or quietly divided?

  • Have small compromises weakened my spiritual focus?

  • Do I receive God’s Word with humility?

  • Do I approach Jesus with persistent faith?

God is not looking for perfection. He is looking for a heart wholly turned toward Him.

A Prayer for Undivided Love

Lord,
Guard my heart from drifting.
Remove divided loyalties and hidden idols.
Plant Your Word deeply within me.
Give me the humble, persistent faith of the woman who trusted You completely.
Let my heart be wholly Yours.
Amen.

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