GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 10TH JUNE 2016
FRIDAY OF THE 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: 1Kings 19:9, 11-16
PSALM: Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:27-32
THEME: GO BACK!
The “fight-or-flight response” is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat to survival. In the face of a perceived danger, the system of one’s body reacts, either to equip you to fight or run away.
In our First Reading, Elijah runs away and hides in a cave. Reason? He felt threatened by Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, who had issued a death-threat to him saying, “May the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow” (1Kg 19:2). Jezebel was furious that Elijah had exterminated the Baal prophets.
In a cave, on Mount Horeb, the Lord asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He responded, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away” (1Kg 19:10).
The Lord gives Elijah an assurance of his divine presence, not through a violent wind, earthquake or fire but through a “sound of sheer silence” (cf. 1Kg 19:13). Then he tells him, “Go, go back on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place” (1Kg 19:15-16). The ministry of Elijah was not over yet. There was a task that still had to be accomplished. He had to go back and complete his work.
There are moments when the desire to run away from one’s vocation in life appears to be very enticing. This often happens when the going gets tough. A married person may feel he/she has had enough and that escaping through the “backdoor” is a desirable option. A priest may want to hang his cassock and chasuble somewhere and run away on account of the challenges in ministry. A religious may want to renounce his “solemn vows” and live a “normal life.” In such moments, we run into our caves, not wanting to see the light anymore.
Today, the Lord assures each one of us that like the sound of sheer silence, he is there with us always. We may not feel the manifestation of God’s presence in spectacular ways but he is always present. Therefore, let no one give up. To those who are seeking to “escape” from their vocations, thus says the Lord, “Why are you here? Go back…”
Lord God, I turn to you for strength for I am beset with numerous challenges. The problems around me are overwhelming. Like a candle in the wind, I feel threatened. I feel like running away. I sometimes want to give up. Revive my drooping spirit and give me the wings of an eagle. Renew your gift of grace in me that I may accomplish the task that you have entrusted to me. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)