Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: 1Kgs 17: 1-6; Mt 5:1-12
In today’s first reading from the First Book of Kings, we learn about Elijah answering God’s call and following His instructions. This happened around 850 BC when Ahab and his wife Jezebel were ruling the land. Jezebel, who was not a follower of God, was cruel to the Jews. Elijah warned King Ahab that there would be a drought unless he changed his ways. Elijah then left his home and went east to find safety.
In the Gospel from St. Matthew, we hear the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. These short phrases show us how to live and serve God well. Even though Elijah never heard Jesus preach, he lived according to the Beatitudes in his interactions with others. We are called to be like Elijah, trusting in God and serving Him alone.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “God is in every person’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs, or anything else—God is in this person’s life.” We should strive to see God in everyone and serve Him through our actions, just as Elijah did.