Homily: Tenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time
Tenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (1 Kings 18: 20-39)
Often in the Bible people do miraculous things in the name of God. God often asks those who are his prophets and religious leaders to make difficult tasks even more difficult. It is as if God wants there to be no doubt who is behind extraordinary events. Often, the supernatural tasks revolve around great military victories.
In the reading we have today the victory comes over the prophets of Baal. Baal is the God that competes most with the God of Israel in the scripture. Baal was most often depicted as a calf. We remember this deity from the Book of Exodus. The Israelites make a calf of gold to worship when they grow impatient with God of Moses (Yahweh). In Exodus Baal is destroyed and the people must repent for their idolatry.
We encounter Baal again in the story we read today. King Ahab has decided to worship Baal rather than the one true God. Once again, there is a showdown. Which God is the most powerful? The Gods are put to a test. It seems appropriate that the sacrifice that is placed on an altar is a calf that is cut into pieces.
Elijah ups the ante when he says he can call down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. He makes fun of the 400 prophets of Baal whose sacrifice is not consumed by their deity. Elijah adds more drama as he drenches the sacrifice with water so that it cannot possibly burn.
Ultimately, Elijah’s God does rain down fire from heaven. The sacrifice is consumed by the fire. Elijah wins the faceoff and God’s power is revealed.
What can we learn from this story? Hopefully, we see God can achieve the impossible. Sometimes God will surprise us. We doubt and worry and struggle to believe, but God’s plans ultimately succeed. The success of the Lord’s mission does not depend on us. We are mere instruments in the hands of God.
Reflection Questions:
- When have I doubted God’s plan? Did God surprise me?
- Do I have a sense that God sometimes makes things difficult? Can I trust that God will succeed in his purposes?
Dear Parishioners,
I am meeting with our deacon candidates this week. Matt Martel and Mike Maynard are in the final months of their preparation. It has been a challenging five years for them. Denise Maynard has accompanied Mike every step of the way. We thank her for her generosity. They will be ordained in December God willing.
The ministry of two new deacons will be a great gift to our parish. We have been without a deacon for the last year or so. This is unusual for Sacred Heart. Many deacons have served here through the years and have done tremendous ministry.
Please pray for Mike, Denise and Matthew. Encourage them when you see them. Sometimes the last days of preparation are the hardest.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for us today.
Fr. Mark