(1 Kgs 18:20-39; Mt 5:17-19)
Homily
In the midst of the practical realities you face every single day, how often do you seek the Lord and recognize His living face?
If we as believers—and indeed, if I myself—had not truly encountered the Lord, and had attempted to live a life apart from Him, ignorant of His presence, I dare not imagine what kind of life we would be leading. If we had to live our lives anxiously scrambling to conform to the standards and definitions of this world, with what kind of fulfilling joy and happiness could we truly live out this day?
In today’s first reading, the prophets of Baal named a hollow, non-existent object as their 'god' and flaunted their authority and power. Yet, when their foolishness was laid bare, they could not hide their utter shame. Like them, if we are living our lives today worshiping the fleeting things of this passing world as idols, how much harm are we inflicting upon our own souls? Furthermore, how deeply do we negatively influence others through our 'self-idolization'—overly trusting our own judgment and discernment, completely unaware that we might be wandering down a mistaken path?
In the First Book of Kings, chapter 18, verses 36 and 39, the prophet Elijah reveals his profound confidence in the real and living God, witnessing to and proclaiming His power: “Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. ... The Lord is God! The Lord is God!”
The God in whom we believe is not a God confined to mere words or conceptualized ideals; He is the One who is truly alive among us, guiding our lives with His love and shaping human history. We often fall into the illusion that humanity builds this world solely through human capability and intellect. However, when we simultaneously experience God’s grand providence—which sees and guides the whole—and His tender mercy, which delicately leads the life of even a single, humble soul, there is absolutely no way to explain it other than through God alone.
We can only ever comprehend a tiny fraction of it. This is beautifully evident in how an endless chain of connections is continuously linked and fulfilled through wonderfully orchestrated encounters. At times, we witness that even those who pride themselves on being spiritual leaders filled with the Holy Spirit, boasting extensive careers and renown, fail to even come close to the marvelous ways in which God works.
Rather, when prayers offered with the humblest heart, and sacrifices and love poured out in tears, flow out like springs to form a mighty river, we discover that wondrous providence and are filled with both marvel and deep awe. Above all, when we realize that this breathtaking history of love is poured out even for a worthless sinner like myself, the emotion moves us so profoundly that it startles the soul. And it is precisely this strength that sustains us and grants us courage, even during the crises of our lives.
Having thus met and experienced God in spirit and in life, and with His love touching our hearts so poignantly, how could we possibly turn away from Him and live with indifference? We must seek out His word, engrave the path He points out upon our hearts, and faithfully walk this preciously given journey. Moreover, we must transmit the light of this blessed life to those walking beside us, serving as a guide so that we may journey onward together.
Therefore, let us advance while engraving deeply upon our hearts those precious words from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 19: “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” May those who walk this same era alongside us come to recognize the true God through our lives, opening their souls to respond to Him. Amen.