19th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Sunday 11th August 2024

Both Elijah and Jesus encountered not only skepticism, but also met with hostile resistance to the tough messages they delivered to the people, who chose not to hear the truth of God and remained defiant.

Met with hostile resistance in the usurping politics of Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah was exhausted and fled into the wilderness to escape from those who sought to kill him. Praying that God would take his life and spare him from the ordeal, God heard his sincere prayers and spared Elijah by sending an angel twice to awaken him from sleep, nourish him with food and drink, strengthen his body, mind and spirit for the journey to complete the mission God entrusted for him.

Facing the disparaging crowds whom he had just fed,  Jesus asserted his identity as one sent by the Father and used the expression “I AM” to deliberately evoke the very name that God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. “I AM the living bread which has come down from heaven, anyone who eats this bread will live forever.” For the Jews, it was scandalous. But for us now, Jesus’ words foreshadowed the Holy Eucharist – the real presence of Jesus and our communion with the Father through the Spirit. Like Elijah and St Paul, God’s grace transforms our powerlessness into channels of peace, love and joy. God himself strengthens us in our pilgrimage.

Lord, may we not grieve the Holy Spirit within us, keep us steadfast in our duties.