Holiness Happiness and Health

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess and act on the conditions in our lives that support our seeking fullness of life for all communities.

Christian Care for Cuba

The Reading from the First Book of Kings explores Solomon’s Listening Heart and the visit of the Queen of Sheba.

* [10:1–13] The sub-unit on Solomon’s wisdom contrasts with 3:16–28. There Solomon’s gifts led him to listen to the humblest of his subjects; he accomplished justice and was revered by all his people. Here the emphasis is on his clever speech to a foreign monarch. She is duly impressed by the glory of his court, but it is she, not Solomon, who recalls the monarch’s duty of establishing justice (v. 9). The unit is interrupted briefly by a remark about Solomon’s maritime commerce (10:11–12).

* [10:1] Queen of Sheba: women rulers among the Arabs are recorded in eighth-century B.C. Assyrian inscriptions. Sheba was for centuries the leading principality in what is now Yemen. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 37 proclaims people’s very actions place them among the ranks of the good or wicked.

* [Psalm 37] The Psalm responds to the problem of evil, which the Old Testament often expresses as a question: why do the wicked prosper and the good suffer? The Psalm answers that the situation is only temporary. God will reverse things, rewarding the good and punishing the wicked here on earth. The perspective is concrete and earthbound: people’s very actions place them among the ranks of the good or wicked. Each group or “way” has its own inherent dynamism—eventual frustration for the wicked, eventual reward for the just. The Psalm is an acrostic, i.e., each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section has its own imagery and logic.

* [37:3] The land: the promised land, Israel, which became for later interpreters a type or figure of heaven, cf. Heb 11:9–10, 13–16. The New Testament Beatitudes (Mt 5:3–12; Lk 6:20–26) have been influenced by the Psalm, especially their total reversal of the present and their interpretation of the happy future as possession of the land. (Psalms, PSALM 37 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus proclaims what comes out of a person, that is what defiles.

* [7:17] Away from the crowd…the parable: in this context of privacy the term parable refers to something hidden, about to be revealed to the disciples; cf. Mk 4:10–11, 34. Jesus sets the Mosaic food laws in the context of the kingdom of God where they are abrogated, and he declares moral defilement the only cause of uncleanness.

* [7:19] (Thus he declared all foods clean): if this bold declaration goes back to Jesus, its force was not realized among Jewish Christians in the early church; cf. Acts 10:1–11:18. (Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

David Crawford comments that what we do and say should accurately reflect Christ, but too often there is a disconnect between what Christians are called to do and what Christians actually do. We often are tempted to become like the Pharisees, so sure in our righteousness and how we see the world that we assume everything we do, say, or think is in concert with what God wants, and equally sure that anyone who disagrees with us is somehow deficient.

To be a better representative, my daily interactions with those who are suffering should bring healing, not add to pain. I should follow the Spirit’s promptings to foster unity (not division) and reconciliation (not distrust). I should welcome people with God’s love and mercy, not drive them away with self-righteous condemnation. When someone falls short,

I should joyfully forgive (like the Prodigal Father), not begrudge that forgiveness (like the Prodigal Brother). I should seek to be the just one described in today’s psalm, one whose mouth tells of wisdom and whose tongue utters what is right.

Loving God, change our hearts and our minds so that everything we say, everything we do, everything we think is worthy of you. (Crawford, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The cycle of bitterness broken by forbearance,” by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.

"Let us, then, his servants, follow our Lord and patiently submit to denunciations that we may be blessed! If, with slight forbearance, I hear some bitter or evil remark directed against me, I may return it, and then I shall inevitably become bitter myself. Either that, or I shall be tormented by unexpressed resentment. If I retaliate when cursed, how shall I be found to have followed the teaching of our Lord? For his saying has been handed down that one is defiled not by unclean dishes but by the words which proceed from his mouth ( Mark 7:15)."(excerpt from ON PATIENCE 8)

[Tertullian (160-225 AD) was an early Christian writer and theologian from Carthage in the Roman province of Africa. He was a noted early Christian apologist who defended Christianity and the practice of Christians against the reproaches of the pagans. He promoted the principle of freedom of religion as an inalienable human right and demanded a fair trial for Christians before they were condemned to death.] (Crawford, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 7:14-23 asks how can we be pleasing to the Lord in our hearts and walk in holiness throughout our days?

First, don’t be discouraged! Remember: the same Jesus who asks you to strive for purity is the One whose blood can cleanse your conscience from “dead works” (Hebrews 9:14), and his cross and resurrection can give you the grace to turn from sin. He offers you power to love him and follow him. Second, remember that the Sacrament of Confession offers the perfect opportunity to bring your weaknesses and sins to Christ. There, you can receive his mercy and strength. There, Jesus will meet you in your heart and provide you with all the help you need.

“Come, Lord, and purify my heart! May my every thought, every motive, every intention be pleasing in your sight!” (Meditation on Mark 7:14-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 1 Kings the Queen of Sheba comes to see Solomon attracted by his wisdom. Israel had trading outposts in the Queen’s area. Wisdom is also knowing nature, medicine, solution to riddles, alchemy and magic. The Queen brings spices and gold to Solomon recognizing the blessing of God in his person and reign. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus attacks the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who are worrying what is outside ourselves and we should focus inside. Friar Jude notes Jesus' call to a radical transformation of our way of living, thinking, and seeing reality. 

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rev. Dr. Ruth Patterson who has worked for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. In CAC’s journal ONEING, she characterizes our life’s journey as a return to a knowledge of God’s love and acceptance.

This longing inevitably leads to an expulsion from the false Eden and a pilgrimage that goes by the way of dispossession. Such a journey is not for the faint-hearted but for those who, in the words of Leonard Cohen, are willing to forget their perfect offering. They begin to see that the cracks are gift. The wounds of the journey allow the light to shine through. The softening of the heart welcomes the diversity that its Creator proclaims is good. Out of uncertainty, not knowing, vulnerability, and openness, they become the mercy-givers, the peacemakers, the light-bearers. With them, there is always more….

The way back to Eden, the space between “paradise lost” and “paradise regained,” the place where we live our lives, can be one of great love and great suffering, of newfound humility and awe. It can also be a return to wonder … to the movement or the dance of belonging and becoming. It is the place where we laugh and cry and sing. It is the place where we risk taking off our shoes. It is the place of ever-increasing awareness. This is the way in which we “are not” and along which we, and even I, may dance with joy. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to lead us in contemplation and action to seek transformation of our greed and energy for self gratification to acts of kindness, mercy, and peace for all people in our environment.

References

Crawford, D. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-11-2026 

Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7?14 

Meditation on Mark 7:14-23. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved Month 11, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/11/1497878/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/10?1 

Psalms, PSALM 37 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/37?5 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/longing-for-the-garden/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Out of the Heart Come Evil Thoughts. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Tradition and Teaching

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to explore our Spiritual Tradition as an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the Way in practice over time.

Celebrate Tradition

The Reading from the First Letter of Kings presents Solomon’s Prayer.

* [8:1–66] The account of the Temple’s dedication ceremony is organized concentrically: Solomon gathers the assembly (vv. 1–13), blesses it (vv. 14–21), utters a long dedicatory prayer (vv. 22–53), blesses the assembly again (vv. 54–61), and dismisses it (vv. 62–66). To this account is appended an appearance of the Lord to Solomon (9:2–9) that balances the divine word to Solomon in the account of the Temple’s construction (6:11–13). (1 Kings, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 84 expresses the sentiments of the pilgrims eager to enjoy the divine presence.

* [Psalm 84] Israelites celebrated three pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem annually. The Psalm expresses the sentiments of the pilgrims eager to enjoy the divine presence. (Psalms, PSALM 84 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus reviews the Tradition of the Elders.

* [7:1–23] See note on Mt 15:1–20. Against the Pharisees’ narrow, legalistic, and external practices of piety in matters of purification (Mk 7:2–5), external worship (Mk 7:6–7), and observance of commandments, Jesus sets in opposition the true moral intent of the divine law (Mk 7:8–13). (Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Angela Maynard asks “Why does one keep a tradition? Out of habit, or reverence?”

As we prepare to enter the season of Lent, it may be beneficial to reflect on our outward forms of godliness and where our hearts are as we practice these traditions.

If you have read my past reflections, you know I really like the saints. Today is the Memorial of St. Scholastica. My grandmother was a student at Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas, in the 1930’s. Although I never knew her (she died at the age of 38), I recently had the opportunity to get a glimpse of her as I read her journal from rhetoric class at Mt. St. Scholastica in the Fall of 1933. I took some time to learn a bit about St. Scholastica. I had no idea she was St. Benedict’s twin sister. She is the patron Saint of nuns, schools, tests, reading, and convulsive children. She is invoked against storms and rain. Like her twin brother, St. Scholastica was a very God-centered, holy woman. Perhaps this prayer can help us keep God’s word and example close so we can live our lives with the purpose for which we were genuinely created.

Saint Scholastica, you and your brother shared not only the same family, but you were also deeply united in a spiritual friendship centered on God. Please pray for me, that I may discover friends who assist me on my journey through this world and that I may be such a friend to others. Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. (Maynard, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Mammon refuses to provide for parents in old age”, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"Christ says, 'Care for the poor' (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 14:13); Mammon says, 'Take away even those things the poor possess.' Christ says, 'Empty yourself of what you have' (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23); Mammon says, 'Take also what they possess.' Do you see the opposition, the strife between them? See how it is that one cannot obey both, but must reject one?... Christ says, 'None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions' (Luke 14:33); Mammon says, 'Take the bread from the hungry.' Christ says, 'Cover the naked' (Matthew 25:34-40; Isaiah 58:7); the other says, 'Strip the naked.' Christ says, 'You shall not turn away from your own family (Isaiah 58:7), and those of your own house' (1 Timothy 5:8; Galatians 6:10); Mammon says, 'You shall not show mercy to those of your own family. Though you see your mother or your father in want, despise them' (Mark 7:11)." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON PHILIPPIANS 6.25) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 asks “Can it be that God dwells in my parish? We don’t have a lot of money. Our OCIA class is very small, and our faith formation program is always short of volunteers. Our pastoral council and other groups can seem like cliques at times. And yet faith tells me that God is here. He is present in the tabernacle, where heaven meets earth. He is present in the people when we celebrate Mass. He is present, not because we are the best parish, but because he loves us.

“Can it be that God dwells in my family? We don’t always get along. There’s usually someone who is caught up in some kind of trouble. Not every marriage is a stellar witness to divine love. And not everyone is faithful to the Church’s teachings. And yet I know that we all want to love one another, even if we don’t always show it. I believe that no matter what happens, the Lord is with us, ready to help anyone who turns to him.

“Can it be that God dwells with his people? With me? Yes! Not because we are saints, but because he is faithful. Simply because he loves us. And he will never stop loving us—any of us!”

“Jesus, I am in awe that you dwell with us. Lord, open my eyes to see your glory!” (Meditation on 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments how the Ark was brought into the Temple and Solomon prays over the Ark showing that the kings had priestly function. Solomon dedicates the Temple as a place to call upon God. In sacred places God is not “More” present but we have special places where we can appreciate the Presence of God. Jesus and the disciples seem to not follow the prescriptions of the Law in it’s widest interpretation, like making eating like praying to require washing. Maybe their interpretations were not from God but they may be hypocrites in their following of the Law as in deserting parents is improper interpretation of the Law which Friar Jude reminds us is to call us to the service of the Lord and each other.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Dr. Brian Bantum who reflects on the story of Adam and Eve as one that initiates us into the freedom of individuality and difference, for good and for ill.

In our disobedience a new world opened up. We could see. The serpent was not lying in some respects; we human beings continued to breathe and think and love. But something had changed…. With this new knowledge we could no longer see the blessed significance of our bodies, of our lives together. The knowledge we gained drove us into hiding, hiding our bodies from one another and hiding ourselves from God. We were terrified by a true knowledge of our incapacity. But this knowledge did not lead us to cry out, to see ourselves truthfully.…

Yet, Adam and Eve remained God’s children, unique creatures with whom God desired to dwell, to love and be loved by. In this moment we did not lose the image of God. God did not withhold God’s animating Spirit and love toward us, but something changed nonetheless. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit as we wrestle with the challenges of appropriately representing tradition in teaching about our Faith.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/7?1 

Maynard, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-february-10-2026 

Meditation on 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/02/10/1497280/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/8?22 

Psalms, PSALM 84 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/84?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Knowledge of Difference. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-knowledge-of-difference/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Rejecting the Commandments of God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/