February 6, 2004.

Memorial of St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs.

A reading from the first book of kings.

Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the whole community of Israel,

and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, he said,

Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below.

You keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole

heart. Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest

heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built? Look kindly on the

prayer and petition of your servant, O Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication

which I, your servant, utter before you this day.

May your eyes watch night and day over this temple,

the place where you have decreed you shall be honored.

May you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the pet which I your servant offer in this place.

Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place.

Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.

The Word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm. The responsorial psalm.

The response is,

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God.

My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord.

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

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