Today, we learn about the importance of presence. In the first reading, we read about what took place when King Solomon, the priests, and the people of God relocated the Ark of the Covenant into a newly built Temple in Jerusalem.
How when the Ark of the Covenant was placed by the priest in the Temple, the priest could no longer minister because of the cloud, since the Lord’s glory, the Shekinah Glory, filled the temple of the Lord.
“The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.” Think about this for a moment. The priest couldn’t minister inside the Holy of Holies due to the presence of the Lord. The glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priest knew when to step out of the way.
Then Solomon said: The Lord intends to dwell in the dark cloud; I have truly built a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide.”
In the gospel, we read about the ‘presence of Jesus’ among the people of God. As Jesus makes his rounds preaching and ministering to the people, families brought their sick loved ones to Jesus for healing. Some of the sick were carried in with beds, some were laid in the streets, and some besought Jesus that they might touch but the hem of his garment.
Whoever touched Jesus was healed.
Faith brings blessings and help to anyone who identify with Jesus as Lord and savior.
May we always be conscious of God’s presence in our lives and in our Churches.
Have a blessed Week.
