February  5.  Give your servant therefore an understanding mind.   The young couples were discussing, “Isn’t it true that when one starts something new, exchanging wedding vows or also renewing vows, or after being newly elected to an important position, that one starts out with the best of intentions, to act wisely and fairly and do one’s best for others under one’s care.”  “I like to think there is genuine good will at first but at the same time be wise enough to be aware, will it really last?” “I believe one has to keep practising and evaluating one’s choices?”  “Like renewing your wedding vows, isn’t it?”

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and merciful love to David my father and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day.  Although I am but a little child I do not know how to go out or come in. and your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people.  Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people that I may discern between good and evil.”  From 1 King 3:4-13. Pope Francis:   After the love that unites us to God conjugal love is the greatest form of friendship.   The lasting union expressed by the marriage vows is more than a formality or a traditional formula. It is rooted in the natural inclinations of the human person. Promising love for ever is possible when we perceive a plan bigger than our own ideas and undertakings. AL 123-24.   Becoming an eco-friendly family:  Keeping in mind that everything is interconnected, what wise life-giving choices can and should you, ideally as a couple or family, make about climate change?