Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
One of the first to be called God’s prophet, Nathan, was given a very unenviable task: be the ‘go-between” for the God of Israel and the King of Israel. 2nd Samuel details two things Nathan must relay to King David: what God wants from him and what God will do for him and the Chosen People. First, isn’t it time to “build me a house to dwell in?” You have shlepped me all over the desert and the land of Canaan in a tent for over fifty years! And make sure my dwelling is a house of cedar!
For God’s part, the Chosen People will have their place to dwell undisturbed and unafflicted, at rest from all enemies. The King will be given his own house – the House of David, not made of stone and cedar, but of a multitude of descendants, beginning with a strong heir, to endure forever. (We know the later prophecy that from David’s House, a Messiah, the Savior of Israel, Christ, our savior, will rise.)
The temple built by Solomon, David’s son and heir, is gone. Only part of a rough retaining wall that held the slope of Temple Mount in place remains. The other house, built of people, survives, thrives, and grows to this day. We are the spiritual heirs of this House of Our Lord, held up by our strong faith and hope in the New Jerusalem, the Eucharistic Kingdom promised us by Christ. The very Body and Blood of our Savior nurtures us. We, like Peter, are the rock, the solid foundation supporting this house, our eternal home. Are you rock strong, holding up your part?
Let Us Pray:
“One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” (Psalm 27,4)
