PILGRIM HEART OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

Queen of Sheba

Jesus reminded His listeners that "the Queen of the South came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed, something greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42).

The Queen of Sheba possessed what every disciple needs: a pilgrim heart. Although she was wealthy, powerful and admired, she knew that material success could never satisfy the deepest longings of the human soul. When she heard of Solomon's God-given wisdom, she set out on a long and demanding journey across the desert. Her pilgrimage required perseverance, humility and an openness to be taught. She was willing to leave behind comfort and certainty in order to seek the truth.

Willing to listen

Her example challenges us today. We live in a world overflowing with information, opinions and distractions; yet true wisdom is found only in Jesus Christ. The Saviour is infinitely greater than Solomon, for He is Wisdom made flesh. The question is not whether Christ speaks, but whether we have hearts willing to listen.

Hunger for God's Word

A pilgrim heart is never satisfied with a superficial faith. It hungers for God's Word and seeks His Presence in prayer. Faith receives Jesus in the Eucharist, and allows His Teachings to shape daily life. Like the Queen of Sheba, we are invited to travel - not across deserts of sand, but across the deserts of pride, self-reliance, and indifference that can keep us from God.

Queen of Sheba as inspiration

Jesus points to the Queen of Sheba because she responded to the light she had been given. We have received an even greater gift: the living Christ, His Gospel, His Church and His Holy Spirit. If the Queen of Sheba journeyed so far to hear the wisdom of Solomon, how much more should we seek the wisdom of Jesus each day?

Pilgrims of faith

May the Queen of Sheba inspire us to become pilgrims of faith, always searching for Christ with humble and generous hearts. Then, when we stand before Him on the day of Final Judgment, we shall not be strangers to the King's Voice. Rather, we shall be faithful disciples who have listened, believed, and followed Him. Hearing Christ's Voice throughout our lives, may we also hear His joyful welcome: "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Master."

Pilgrim heart of the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba heard the call,
A whispered truth beyond them all;
Her pilgrim heart could not remain,
Content with wealth or worldly gain.

She crossed the sands beneath the sky,
With searching soul and questing eye;
Each weary step, each desert mile,
Was lit by hope for all the while.

She sought not jewels, thrones, or gold,
Nor stories that were often told;
She longed to hear God's wisdom's voice,
The treasure of the truest choice.

Before King Solomon she stood,
And found his counsel wise and good.
Her heart rejoiced, her spirit sang,
As heaven's truth within her rang.

Yet One far greater calls today,
The Christ who is the Living Way;
His Wisdom shines with endless light,
Dispelling darkness with His Might.

He calls each pilgrim, "Come to Me;
Walk in My truth and you are free.
Let every step be filled with grace,
Until you see My glorious Face."

Like Sheba's Queen, may we arise,
With faithful hearts and lifted eyes;
May nothing keep our souls apart
From Christ, the longing of our heart.

For every life must one day stand,
Before the Judge with pierced Hand.
How blessed those who learned His Voice,
Who made His holy Will their choice.

The pilgrim heart that seeks His Face,
Will find His Mercy and His Grace -
As on that great and final day,
All fear and darkness flee away.

So let us journey while we can,
According to God's loving plan.
Like Sheba's Queen, our hearts made new,
Forever faithful, Lord, to You.

Lead us, Jesus, day by day,
Upon Your everlasting way.
Until our pilgrimage is done,
And we rejoice before Your Throne.

Image by CN Whittle