Hear the plea of your servant

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Where the Lord Dwells

One Hope Project

Today is Tuesday the 10th of February, the feast of Saint Scholastica, in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.

One Hope Project sings, ‘Where the Lord Dwells’.

The green grass on the other side

Looks so good but it won't satisfy

The grass is greener on the inside

Where the Lord dwells, where the Lord dwells

Only You can satisfy

I looked elsewhere but I could not find

The meaning of this gift of life

True love is found on the inside

Where the Lord dwells, where the Lord dwells

Only You can satisfy

Jesus, living water

A well that never will run dry

Jesus, my saviour

Your love will always satisfy

The grave could not hold You in

You rose and conquered death and sin

That same power lives on the inside

Where the Lord dwells, where the Lord dwells

Only You can satisfy

Jesus, living water

A well that never will run dry (only You can satisfy)

Jesus, my saviour

Your love will always satisfy (only You can satisfy)

I'll be called home when it is my time

When I've run this race to the finish line

Where the Lord dwells, Forever You will satisfy

2:49

Today’s reading is from the First Book of Kings.

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart.

‘But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Have regard to your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day towards this house, the place of which you said, “My name shall be there”, that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays towards this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray towards this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling-place; heed and forgive.’

4:51

Peaking Out

We Dream of Eden

Today is the feast of St Scholastica, the first Benedictine nun and a disciple of her brother, St Benedict. She was inspired to learn the wisdom of the heart, so much so that she is said to have surpassed even her brother in charity.

In today’s reading, Solomon acknowledges two things. On the one hand, God is infinite, beyond any temple or human comprehension: “Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you.” On the other hand, Solomon invites God to be present in the Temple, trusting that God hears the prayers of his people.

Ignatius often invites us to notice both God’s grandeur and His intimacy: God is infinite, yet chooses to meet us where we are. The Temple, though magnificent, does not confine God; rather, God’s presence fills wherever we open ourselves to prayer and devotion.

Are there times when you try to “contain” God in your life, expecting God only in certain places, times, or rituals?

We might also reflect that Jesus’ sacramental presence in the tabernacle is a reminder of his real presence in all the people we meet and in all the experiences we have. Every person, every experience, is a sacrament of God’s loving presence. How might you imagine God dwelling within your heart as you go about your day?

As we listen to the passage again, reflect on where you might invite the Lord to dwell more fully in your daily life, in your work, relationships, and thoughts.

8:22

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart.

‘But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Have regard to your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day towards this house, the place of which you said, “My name shall be there”, that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays towards this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray towards this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling-place; heed and forgive.’

10:08

“Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you.” In this time of prayer, rest in the closeness of the Lord’s presence. What might you ask of him now?

12:14

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen