1 Kings 18:20-39; Psalm 16; Matthew 5:17-19
The first reading presents us with the victory of Elijah over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah told the people: “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him…”(1 Kings 18:21). This challenges us to be decisive. We cannot go on limping; lax and unfirm. We have to stand up for what we believe. James 1:8 says;
a doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways. Many of us are unstable Christians. Let us learn to be decisive.
Again, Elijah was very confident, he stood his grounds regardless of the number of prophets against him. Beloved, when your faith makes you stand alone, do not be discouraged. Your faith will not fail you. If we can rise in the spirit and faith of Elijah, we shall defeat today’s Baal and all it’s agents. This may sound unrealistic because many of us Christians are just talkers, we believe that there is God but we are not ready to bear burdens.
Lastly, the gospel reading tells us that Christ has not come to abolish the law and the prophet but to complete them. This means that the arrival of Christ is a continuation of God’s work and action. True Christians must resolve to continue this project of the Divine. In the spirit and faith of Elijah, we must resolve that regardless of the tensions and adversity, God’s work and action must continue.
*LET US PRAY*
Father, the road is rough and narrow, and there are many dangers. Give us the grace to do your will. Amen.
