19th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]

August 13, 2023

Matthew 14:22-33

1 Kgs 19:9-13a

Elijah is considered one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. His name means the Lord is God (a combination of ‘El’ and ‘YHWH’), and this speaks volumes of his mission to defend the worship of the true God, to oppose vehemently idolatry and to constantly remind Israelites of their covenant with their God. He courageously criticized even kings and queens. He was also renowned as a mighty prophet who performed many miracles.

One of his greatest showdowns is the contest on Mount Carmel (see 1 King 18). He challenged the prophets of Baal to call out to their god and ask it to pour down rain because the land had experienced a long drought. This trial is to prove who is the real God, the Lord or Baal. Around 400 prophets of Baal accepted the challenge and performed all sorts of rituals but to no avail. Elijah even mocked them. He said something like, “Your god must be asleep or going on vacation”. Then, when his turn came, he did a simple ritual and called the Lord God. His prayer was answered, and the rain suddenly fell from the sky. Feeling victorious, Elijah slaughtered all the Baal prophets.

This event enraged Jezebel, wife of Ahab, king of Israel, and as the avid support of Baal, she ordered that Elijah be seized and executed. Unexpectedly, Elijah, the mighty prophet of God and miracle worker, became afraid and ran away. Tired of running, he asked the Lord to take his life. Yet, the Lord sent His angel to feed him. He continued his journey to Mount Horeb in Sinai. There, he encountered the Lord, but not in the way he expected. The Lord was not in the great wind, earthquakes, or powerful fire but the calm whisper sound. Indeed, God was in the least expected place. However, after Elijah realized God’s presence and spoke with Him, Elijah was back on his feet and walked back to Israel to continue his missions.

The life of Elijah teaches us several precious lessons. Often like Elijah, we became afraid, intimidated and unsure of our lives and missions in the face of danger and suffering. We tend to forget the great things the Lord has done through our hands. We have this ‘spiritual amnesia’. We ignore the truth that the Lord who has been with us in the past is also the same Lord who will be with us in the future. Even trials and pains are part of His providence.

The second lesson is also precious. God can often be found in the places and times we do not expect. Surely, God is present in the Eucharist and our prayers. Yet, the Lord is hidden in the ordinary people we meet daily. Jesus is there in simple acts of kindness and love we receive. God is there when we can be faithful to our day-to-day commitment to our spouse and children. Despite our struggles, the Lord is there when we keep doing good things for others.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP