Where does God dwell? It is this question that hovers over both of today’s readings.
Our first reading represents the fulfillment of King David’s great hope – the Ark of the Lord will now have a “princely house,” ensconced in the first Temple that was Solomon’s greatest legacy to ancient Israel. This Temple was no mean achievement, especially when one considers the labyrinthine journey Israel took from Egypt through the Wilderness to the Promised Land. It is no wonder that “the entire community of Israel” comes up with King Solomon, sacrificing “sheep and oxen too many to number or count.” The Bible could end right here in 1 Kings 8:13. Wrap it up and tie it with a bow.
If only things were so neat! But Israel’s history is nothing if not messy. Solomon’s beautiful temple lasts 400 years but is ultimately destroyed by the Babylonians; its successor made it over 600 years but could not survive the Romans. Yet God is bigger than Israel’s checkered political history. God is bigger than our houses, our dark clouds, our holy of holies, and our abundant sacrifices. God meets us by Lake Gennesaret, where the sick and their friends literally “scurry about” to receive a healing touch. God meets us in the midst of persecution, as we learn from today’s patroness, the virgin martyr St. Agatha. God meets us in the glorified humanity of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, entering fully into and transforming our own humanity. God dwells wherever we seek him in self-giving love.
Let’s start scurrying.
Jay Carney
I am an Associate Professor of Theology who came to Creighton in 2011. My research and teaching engage Church History and World Christianity, especially modern Africa.
I am married with four children. My wife Becky is a remarkable woman, and our children have given both of us much love and laughter. I grew up in the Washington, DC area and have also lived in Wisconsin and North Carolina among other places. Prior to coming to Creighton, I worked in campus ministry at the University of Arkansas. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, playing soccer, and listening to music of all types.
After years as a reader of Magnificat and then Give Us This Day, I am now seeing the other side! These reflections entail a very different style of writing than academic journal articles, and I’ve also gained newfound respect for the homilist’s task! I feel that I am “preaching” to myself as much as anyone else. It’s wonderful to know that so many people are walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers!
