WEDNESDAY, TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Kgs 18: 20-39 Ps 16: 1-2,4,5,8,11 Mt 5: 17-19
LET GOD RESTORE WHAT IS BROKEN WITHIN YOU
The first reading from the Book of Kings invites us to reflect on three essential themes: firstly where our priority lies, secondly how we approach God in that priority and thirdly how we can restore our relationship with him when it is broken. In the reading, Prophet Elijah challenges the people of Israel to make a clear and firm decision. The people of Israel were confused about whether to follow the true God or Baal. Elijah questions the people of Israel saying,” How long will you waver?” This query of Elijah is not only for people of Israel but also for us today.
In our present situation, we too may face similar struggles about our priorities. Is it God or is it something else that takes His place like wealth, honour and success? These can easily become our, so called “false gods.” But when we truly follow God with all our heart and mind, we need not worry about anything else. As the Lord teaches us, “seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Trusting in God’s providence gives us the happiness, a deep inner peace that the worldly things cannot provide.
The passage also teaches us how to approach God. The false prophets cried out loudly, yet nothing happened. But the prophet Elijah made a simple prayer and God answered his prayers. This incident gives us the message that many words do not build a relationship with God rather it is in solitude and in personal encounter that we experience God’s presence. God often speaks not in noise but in quiet moments of the heart. In the end before offering the sacrifice, prophet Elijah restored the broken altar to offer the sacrifice. In the same way, we are called to restore what is broken within us, our prayer life, our relationship with God and our neighbour and our inner commitments. When we surrender ourselves fully and accept God’s will, surely God will receive our offering with love.
Response: Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
Copyright ©2013-2026 ©Springs of Living Water http://springs.carmelmedia.in