Memorial of Saint
Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church
(I Kings 18:41-46; Matthew 5:20-26)
“How long will you
straddle the issue?” Elijah asks the people of Israel. He is challenging them to choose between the
Lord God and Baal. The former is
credited with liberating Israel’s ancestors from servitude. Baal is associated with fertility. He is thought to produce rain for the
people’s crops. The people must decide
now to whom they will give allegiance.
First, however, they should take note how the Lord is
active in their lives every day. He has
provided the Law to guide them to justice.
He also has responded to their pleas on numerous occasions. He does so
in today’s passage. Elijah calls out to
the Lord in need. Once again, the Lord acts
with mercy and power.
People today continue to straddle the same issue. They know of Jesus Christ who has given them a
more perfect Law. With him they can
freely, even joyfully live in righteousness.
They also know of humanly made gods with far-reaching influence. Technology which enthralls as well as makes
living easier is the best example. People
worship it, in a sense, by pursuing constantly new inventions. Which one will
we choose? Christ who works from within
enabling us to love unselfishly or the world of endless fascination. We cannot straddle the issue forever.
