The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present an opportunity to review the role of the "follow your heart" strategy in spiritual growth. The passage from the first Book of Kings tells of the wonder and amazement the Queen of Sheba, probably present day southern Saudi Arabia according to Friar Jude Winkler, who has travelled from the south in pursuit of understanding of the fabled wisdom of Solomon. The pursuit of her heart for Wisdom is rewarded by the experience she sees of the love of the Lord for Israel in the happiness of the people around Solomon. As Winkler points out, Jesus often refers to the ability of the outsider or pagan to see and be enriched by the grace of God working in the "people of the Covenant". This highlights how our tendency to be wary of the outsider should be replaced by the action of hospitality and welcome to the visitor and newcomer who can restore to our heart what we may have neglected to nurture. Jesus continues to teach about the source of unrighteousness as the dialogue with the Pharisees about dietary laws and legalism in our relationship with the Divine may be hiding the real source of defilement from view. Our heart is able to take us to experiences which enlarge our viewpoint and see God in others. It can also take us to our attempts to satisfy our ego and act as independent, self centered beings who plan and execute action of self satisfaction, self aggrandizement and oppression of others for our desires. Following the heart is a strategy which requires the Life of our Spirit in resonance with the Spirit of God to direct the passions of the heart toward the Divine and the people in whom God delights.
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