These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
The queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon's fame, came to test him with subtle questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very numerous retinue, and with camels bearing spices, a large amount of gold, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and questioned him on every subject in which she was interested. King Solomon explained everything she asked about, and there remained nothing hidden from him that he could not explain to her. (1 Kgs 10:1-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020724.cfm
The visit of the Queen of Sheba is an important moment in the history of Salvation. Her visit is mentioned by Jesus, and it appears also in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. And the visit of the Queen of Sheba had an unexpected completion over 2,000 years later in the return of the Ethiopian Jews to Israel between the years 1979-1990. Even Händel celebrated her visit!
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 84)
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you.
O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020624.cfm
Saint Paul Miki (1562-1597) and the first martyrs of Japan is a fascinating chapter is the history of the missions. We should never discount the lasting impact of the enduring faith and courage of the martyrs. I remember seeing their story on the walls of the Cathedral in Cuernavaca, Mexico. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuernavaca_Cathedral. Saint Felipe de Jesús, the first Mexican saint, was one of the companion martyrs.
When the priests left the holy place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud, since the LORD's glory had filled the temple of the LORD. Then Solomon said, "The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud; I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever." (I Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020524.cfm
There was a time when clouds of incense provoked awe and wonder . . . these days people with allergies would be heading for the doors. Of course, there is the botafumeiro of the Shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Saint Agatha was one of the famous virgin martyrs of the early church.
So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted to me. If in bed I say, "When shall I arise?" then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn. My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again. (Job 7:1-4, 6-7)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm
Poor Job has a bad case of the Blues. Of course, we’ve all been there. Even though our lives are like the wind and can blow us down once in a while, we have to hold on, sometimes with both hands if need be, and wait on the Lord.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011524.cfm
Today would have been my Colombian Madrecita’s 93rd birthday, Ofelia Arroyave (1931-2016). She once said to me, “Padre, you’re my oldest child.” I am very proud that she counted me among her 10 children. Now she has 11! May she dance with the angels! The Daily Reflection, the Orchid Ministry and the Mass in Spanish with a Little Bit of English (on Facebook) will be on vacation until Sunday, February 4th. You will all be in my Masses and Prayers.
