If you were given the opportunity for ask for one thing, and know that your request would be granted, what would you ask for? This is a fantasy that has a rich tradition in our culture. A genie or a fairy or some other mystical creature arrives in someone's life and grant the person a wish or two or three. We seem to like these stories, probably because we long for the ability to make our own dreams come true.

These stories take place in the Scriptures as well. "The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night," we're told in today's first reading. "God said, 'Ask something of me and I will give it to you.'"

This is the creator of the universe offering to give Solomon anything he wants. Who knows what went through Solomon's mind? He could have asked for wealth, popularity, good health. He could have asked for victory over his enemies, or even for peace for his people.

"O Lord, my God," Solomon responds, "you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act…. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong."

Solomon doesn't ask for personal assistance. He doesn't even ask for political help. He asks for an understanding heart --- the ability to know right from wrong --- so he can do what is right.

I don't think I've ever heard a fairy tale with this kind of ending --- the person granted a wish asks for wisdom rather than treasure. And God is pleased to grant this wish. "Because you have asked for this --- not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right --- I do as you requested."

While this may seem like a fantasy, keep in mind that Jesus has told all of us, "Ask and it shall be given to you." We have all been made the same offer that God made to Solomon. When we do ask God for something, it is usually something temporary --- to heal an illness, to bring some good fortune, to assist with a job, a relationship, or some other crisis. I don't think I've ever asked God for wisdom and understanding, or for the ability to tell right from wrong.

Today's readings conclude with Jesus' parable of the Pearl Merchant and the Treasure Hunter. "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."

The riches of God's kingdom are available to all of us. They are extremely costly, but imminently affordable. They cost all we have. Yet we can all afford to give everything.

This is the good news and the great challenge of the Gospel. God's love is free, but it is not cheap. We must set aside our personal ambition for something far greater. We need to be able to recognize that treasure that is worth far more than everything we have.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa.