10th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 12th June 2024 – 1 Kgs 18,20-39; Mt 5,17-19
Response to Simple Prayer
In the first reading, we read the dramatic challenge Elijah made at Mount Carmel to the worshippers of Baal and to his own idolatrous fellow Israelites. Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal as they were unable to call down fire from heaven upon the sacrifice they prepared. In contrast to the complicated prayer and frenzied actions of the prophets of Baal, Elijah’s prayer is very simple. He recalls God’s covenant faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By this prayer, Elijah recognizes that the Lord God acts in history and cares for his people, who have entered into a covenant. Second, Elijah says that he has served the Lord faithfully and done everything according to his word. In this case, he did exactly as the Lord commanded during the famine and now confronts the king about the false prophets. Thirdly, Elijah asks God to answer his prayer so that the people of Israel may know him as the true God and may turn their hearts back to him. He is not seeking his own glory, but only that of the Lord God. Finally, God answers his prayer and heavenly fire consumes the sacrifice and licks up the water.
