12 June 2024 - Wednesday of the 10th even-numbered week
1 Kings 18:20-39 : Matthew 5:17-19
Homily
In the first reading of the Mass, the prophet Elijah will accompany us until the end of the week.
Elijah was a prophet powerful in word and deed. When he had the word of God, he did not hesitate to strike down the enemies of the Lord. But we will see in the next few days' readings how he also experienced his own weakness. And this will prepare him for the meeting with God on Mount Horeb.
At the time of Elijah, the people of Israel were going through a very difficult period. It was a time of drought and famine. King Ahab and all the people were fasting to obtain the gift of a little rain from heaven. Elijah was a prophet who could see beyond the precariousness of the present times and could hear the sound of heavy rain approaching, while his disciples could not yet see anything on the horizon.
In times of shortage or famine, in the life of the Church, or of our communities, or in our own personal lives, we need prophets who can make us see the rain that is coming, even when it is announced by tiny clouds barely perceptible on the horizon.
To hear their voice, we need purity of heart and intention. And that's what the Gospel we've just read tells us. By living faithfully according to the Gospel and the Rules and Commandments we have freely chosen, we will receive the daily gift of light to guide our steps on the path of Life.
Armand Veilleux