There is something very tender in today’s Table of the Word (cf. 1 Kings 8:22–23, 27–30) Here Solomon stands before the altar with hands lifted.
- Not as a king.
- Not as a builder of temples.
- Not as a powerful ruler.
But simply… as a son. Praying.
“Hear the prayer of your servant.”
It is touching to see a great king reduced to childlike dependence.
Because before God, titles disappear.
We are all just children asking:
“Father… listen to me.”
Then Jesus speaks in the Gospel (cf. Mark 7:1–13)
But His words sting a little.
“This people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Those words hurt. Because they are possible for us too.
We can:
- attend Mass
- say prayers
- follow devotions
- keep traditions
…and still be far away inside.
- Hands busy.
- Lips moving.
- Heart distant.
And that is what breaks God’s heart most.
- Not weakness.
- Not failure.
- But distance.
Because love wants closeness.
And then comes the soft light of St. Scholastica.
- She did not preach.
- She did not argue theology.
- She did not perform great miracles.
- She simply loved God deeply.
So deeply that when she prayed, heaven listened. Her love was not noisy. It was quiet. But strong.
Strong enough to change the weather. Strong enough to hold her brother near. Strong enough to move God’s heart.
It reminds us: God is not moved by eloquence but by love.
Sometimes we think holiness is doing many things.
But maybe holiness is simpler.
Maybe it is just this: praying honestly, loving sincerely, staying close to God
letting the heart speak. Like a child holding a Father’s hand.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, God is not asking you to impress Him. He is not counting how many prayers you say.
He is not measuring performance.
He is only asking:
“Is your heart with Me?”
Because if the heart is there…
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