It is so important that we teach others the ways of the Lord. Jesus makes this very clear in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5. He says, “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” This is especially important with our children.
Today’s first reading from 1 Kings 18 is the story of a great challenge. Elijah, the only remaining prophet of God, challenges the 450 prophets of Baal to a “duel.” He tells them to have their god call down fire from heaven. Of course, they can’t; they serve a false god. So Elijah calls upon the LORD, saying, “Answer me, LORD!” Fire comes down from heaven and the people acknowledge the LORD as the one true God.
Have you ever had a time in your life where you’ve said those words? “Answer me, LORD!” We know that God can do anything. But what about when we challenge him directly? Is he obliged to answer? Of course not. The funny thing is that he always does answer. Perhaps his answer will be “delayed.” Or maybe the answer isn’t the one we wanted, so we choose to ignore it. Bottom line is this: God always answers us. Are we patient enough to wait for the answer? And are we open enough to his will to accept whatever that answer may be?
Father, thank you for always answering us. May we always be receptive to whatever and whenever your answer may be. Amen.
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