Memorial of Saint
Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
(I Kings 8:22-23.27-30; Mark 7:1-13)
The woman was upset with the Church when her son was told
that he could not have his wedding at a garden ceremony. She reasoned that if the Church allows mass
to be celebrated in a home, it could permit weddings wherever the couple
wished. But most bishops insist that
weddings be done in a sacred space to underscore the sacred covenant of
marriage. In his prayer that comprises
the first reading today Solomon asks a question pertinent to the issue.
The king prays: “’Can it indeed be that God dwells among
men on earth? If the heavens cannot
contain you, how much less this temple which I have built!’” Solomon has come to the realization that God
is not confined to the holy place that he has constructed. Yet he knows that the temple raises minds and
hearts to God with its lofty walls, statutes of cherubs, and perennial
sacrifice. He would say that when the
temple reminds people of God’s closeness, it fulfills his purpose.
Everything on earth may be a sacrament connecting us with
God, but many of those things may distract our attention from Him. Temples and churches generally avoid the
ambiguity. We are wise like Solomon to
follow his lead of praying that God watch over our churches. People need places set apart to remind them of
God’s grandeur.
