Feast of the dedication of the Cathedral – 1 Kings 8:22-23,27-30; Matthew 16:13-19

‘Hear the entreaty of your servant and of Israel your people as they pray in this place’. (1 Kings 8:30)

The temple for us Catholics is a sacred place. A place in which Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament. Here we can hush ourselves, to look into ourselves, to stand in truth before God, and during the Eucharist receive Him in the heart. This is why the closure of churches is much more than not having place to gather in for worship.

It is also a place to be the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and to hear the question: But you, who do you say I am?

Who are you for me? Does the reply depend on how I feel at the moment, or is it engraved upon my heart, and unchanging? How far am I from affirming that You are Lord, my shepherd and I lack nothing . . .?

Lord, let me know that You alone are enough. Please guide me to the water, where I may rest, refresh my soul. I need You.