Posted on agosto 9, 2024 View all Gospel Reflection
“Nothing I do matters to anyone…”
Sometimes we can empathize with Elijah’s words when he says to the Lord: “’This is enough, O Lord!
Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’” (1 Kings 19:4) But it seems odd because Elijah had just
been the instrument of the Lord’s power when he showed the power of God in comparison with the
empty promises of their idol Baal. How Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice for
the Lord in the sight of King Ahab. After that great feat the people fell prostrate and proclaimed “’The
Lord is God! The Lord is God!’” (1 Kings 18:39) But even so, Jezebel threatened Elijah and so Elijah fled to
Beer-sheba of Judah.
It seems odd that Elijah would have fear, when he clearly was able to demonstrate the power of God.
Even the Lord Himself asked Elijah when he was hiding in a cave “’Why are you here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings
19:9) But sometimes, we, like Elijah doubt in God’s power through our lives and actions. But the Lord
encouraged him to eat so that he could have sufficient strength for the journey ahead.
The Lord has similar plans for each of us. While at times we might get discouraged at how our efforts
turn out, or even get frustrated at our own sinfulness, the Lord wants to feed us with His very Body and
Blood. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will
live forever.” (John 6:51) As we reflect on the great work done at the National Eucharistic Congress held
in July, we should reflect on how we allow the Lord to nourish us, strengthen us and empower us to do
His Will here on earth. Just like the Israelites needed food in the desert when God sent down manna
from heaven, Jesus says that He “is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and
not die.” (John 6:50) But those who were listening to him said that this was hard to accept and many left
and returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus even turned to the
Twelve and said “Do you also want to leave?” (John 6:67)
Would we turn away from Jesus? It seems hard to think that we might think that way, but when things
get difficult, sometimes people take a step back and give up. Jesus wants us to know that He is the one
who has the words of eternal life. St. Paul reminds us of this in the second reading when he urges us to
be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love as Christ loved us. (Eph. 5:1)
As the summer draws to a close and many of us resume things like school and other activities, let us be
mindful of the great promise that Jesus made to feed us, guide us and strengthen us on the way to
eternal life. Even when we are facing difficulties, we should turn to the Lord and not give up.
