SHEKINAH CLOUD
The concept of the Shekinah, or the visible manifestation of God’s presence, is a profound and awe-inspiring aspect of biblical history. While the term “Shekinah” itself is not found in Scripture, it represents a powerful reality that is clearly evident throughout the Bible.
In the Book of Exodus, we see the first dramatic appearance of the Shekinah glory as the Israelites fled Egypt: “The Lord preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire to give them light. Thus they could travel both day and night. Neither the column of cloud by day nor the column of fire by night ever left its place in front of the people” (Ex 13:21-22). This visible manifestation of God’s presence served as a guide and protector for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
Later, when the Tabernacle was constructed, the Shekinah glory took up residence there: “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Ex 40:34). This divine presence was so powerful that even Moses could not enter the tent while the cloud rested upon it.
The Shekinah glory continued to dwell with the Israelites, eventually residing in the Temple built by Solomon. At the Temple’s dedication, “When the priests left the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud, since the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kgs 8:10-11).
However, as the people of Israel turned away from God, the Shekinah glory departed from the Temple before its destruction by the Babylonians, as described in the Book of Ezekiel. This marked a sorrowful period in Israel’s history, as the visible presence of God was no longer among them.
Yet, God’s plan for His people did not end there. The Catholic Church teaches that the incarnation of Jesus Christ marks the ultimate fulfillment of the Shekinah glory. As St. John writes, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). In Jesus, God’s presence became tangible in a new and profound way.
Moreover, the Church holds that this divine presence continues today through the Holy Eucharist. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read, “The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique… In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained'” (CCC 1374).
REFLECTION
For us as Christians today, this understanding of the Shekinah glory and its fulfillment in Christ offers a profound message. We are called to recognize and reverence the presence of God in our midst, particularly in the Eucharist. Just as the Israelites were guided and protected by the Shekinah cloud, we too can find guidance and protection in Christ’s presence.
Furthermore, we are invited to become living tabernacles of God’s presence. Through our baptism and participation in the Eucharist, we are called to carry the light of Christ into the world. As St. Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16).
In conclusion, let us approach the Eucharist with awe and reverence, recognizing it as the fulfillment of the Shekinah glory. May we allow Christ’s presence to transform us, so that we may become beacons of His light and love in the world, guiding others to encounter the living God.