…You have a greater than Solomon here. (Matthew 12:42)
This passage of Scripture draws my attention to the queen of the South who came from the “farthest corner of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.” I see the elaborate preparations she made in order to come into his presence. Bringing a large retinue as well as camels bearing spices, gold and precious stones, she presents Solomon with gifts more precious than anyone else had seen up to that time. Witnessing the beauty and richness of his palace and especially his outstanding wisdom, she is “breathless.” Jesus is greater than Solomon and this fact calls me to reassess the preparations I make for going into His presence. They are anything but elaborate. I wonder if I would be included in the Queen of Sheba’s condemned “present generation”? What would she say to me? Would she tell me I do not always give Jesus my undivided attention at prayer? Come to think of it, getting my attention takes some doing, for Jesus can barely penetrate my sluggish moments. Still, He does take me by surprise at times, and the joy I experience then definitely warms my heart even though it might not leave me “breathless.”
Jesus, awaken me each moment to Your presence and Your words of wisdom.
Sister Mary E. Penrose, OSB
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Sister Mary E Penrose is a Sister of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota. She edits readings for the liturgical Hours and writes reflections for the Community. And she is a tutor for the African Sisters attending The College of St. Scholastica. She was editor of a journal, Spirit & Life, for 18 years. |
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