10th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 14th June 2024 – 1 Kgs 19,9.11-16; Mt 5,27-32
Running for Life of Faith
In the first reading, we find Elijah goes to Horeb, the mountain of God, weary, exasperated and ill-tempered, taking shelter by hiding in the cave. It’s because he is threatened of his life by Queen Jezebel. At this juncture, the Lord’s question is, “what are you doing here, Elijah?” A question pertaining to everyone, seeking personal response. Elijah replies that God’s people have deserted him and torn down their altars; He is the only prophet left and his life is in danger. In his reply, he intimates God to bring in divine vengeance against his enemies. Elijah’s answer makes two things clear. First, he believes that he is alone in his faithful service to the Lord. Second, he is frustrated by the injustice done to him for his faithfulness to Yahweh. Elijah seems to have missed the point of the symbols he just experienced. The Lord is not to be looked in through violent behaviour, but in the quiet inspirations of his presence. At the same time, Elijah has failed to remember the incredible things, the powerful acts of faith, done by him and of God’s protection until now. Elijah wasn’t afraid to die, but he ran for more meaningful and substantive life. He ran for the life of faith; his faith in a just world, where right prevails.
