Beloved friends, today we are celebrating the nineteenth Sunday of ordinary time year B. We are also celebrating 55 years of our parish since its conception, it is our prayer today that our good and merciful God may continue to bless us all and draw us to himself to save, feed, and strengthen us on our journey. Brothers and sisters, the readings of today provide us another opportunity to continue our reflection on the gift of the Holy Eucharist, the mystery of our faith, and the life of the world. Friends, the readings for this Sunday teach us about God’s support, living a good life, and the importance of faith in Jesus. They remind us that God cares for us, calls us to live with love, and offers us eternal life through Jesus.
Friends, the event takes place when Ahab is king of Israel. Trade is prospering, and cities and palaces are being built everywhere, but it is also a period of great social injustice and frightening religious corruption. Jezebel, the young and beautiful wife of Ahab, is a foreigner; she is very intelligent but also very wicked; she knows that she can get anything from her weak husband and she decides to introduce into Israel the pagan customs of her country. It is at this time that Elijah begins to raise his voice to denounce her plans with fiery words; he threatens those who have abandoned Yahweh for Baal, the god of Jezebel, he works miracles, calls down punishment from heaven, stops the rain for three years, but all his efforts are useless and at a certain point he finds himself all alone. The queen, his powerful enemy, is getting more enraged each day and is hunting him down to kill him.
Friends, the first reading of today is fascinating and encouraging in many ways. Elijah is overwhelmed and seeks death in the wilderness. He feels alone and tired. This is because many of us are in the same boat right now with Elijah. I have often heard people say to me; “I am afraid and tired of this life.” “I am alone in my struggle.” “I do not think God still hears my prayers,” even, “I feel like dying because it is too much for me to bear.” Such moments in life provoke and force us to make such confessions and tough ones. We are almost at our breaking or zero points. Like Elijah, some of us are on the run from different uncertainties of this life. We are saying or acting; “Lord, I have heard enough. Take my life!” So, we can appreciate Elijah’s predicament. However, like Elijah, when we think that all hope is lost, God will surely intervene to nourish and strengthen us. Friends, God will send an angel to give us food and water. God does not abandon us, even in our lowest moments. He sees our struggles and offers help. Elijah’s journey to Horeb becomes possible because of God’s care. We need to trust that God will provide what we need.
Friends, the responsorial psalm of today, psalm 34, is a prayer of thanksgiving that David prayed when God delivered him from his enemies. This Psalm reminds us that God delivers those who are weak, broken, and powerless. It expresses gratitude for God’s constant help and protection. The psalm teaches us to trust in God during difficult times and to praise Him for His faithfulness. Brothers and sisters, in the second reading, Paul reminds us that as children of God, we bear the mark of the Holy Spirit in us. This is simply to say that God never leaves us alone in the valley or desert of this life. Through the Holy Spirit, he accompanies us daily. So, rather than making the Holy Spirit sad through our sinful actions, we must obey, trust, and walk with Him.
The Holy Spirit leads us to Christ, the living bread who nourishes and equally strengthens us for our journey. So, Paul teaches us how to maintain this relationship with the Holy Spirit. “Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, forgive each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.” We are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. This is how we should live as followers of Christ. Paul’s message is simple; treat others with love and respect. Holding on to anger and bitterness hurts us and those around us. By forgiving and showing kindness, we live like Jesus. Friends, the second reading reminds us that our actions matter. Living a good life means being mindful of how we treat others. By following Paul’s advice, we strengthen our relationship with God and each other.
Friends, in today’s gospel, like Elijah, Jesus confronted his obstacles. The Pharisees would not believe in Him, nor would they let him have his peace. Instead, they looked for means to discredit Christ and his work. However, Christ did not give up. Instead, he remained focused. He insisted; “I am the living bread, which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread I give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Brothers and sisters, the good news today is that Christ draws us to himself every day through the Eucharistic to nourish and strengthen us for our journey. He is the living bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger. He equally fills us with His Spirit, who directs us on the right path on our journey. So today, God is saying to us as he spoke to Elijah in the desert, “arise, eat, drink,” and continue your journey with new hope, zeal, and a new spirit.
Friends, let us take advantage of this generous gift that God had given us through the Holy Eucharist to enrich our lives. We must do what the psalmist tells us today; “taste and see that the Lord is good.” He is the living bread of life. He is the Mystery of our faith and the life of the world. This bread gives eternal life to those who believe in Him. The Jews struggle to understand this message. Belief in Jesus leads to eternal life. He offers Himself as spiritual nourishment. Friends, by believing in Him, we receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus invites us to trust in Him and receive His life-giving presence. The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Month to You
Pray with Us for the Online Rosary Every Monday @ 8 pm.
By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
