The Almighty God is the One True God for all ages

The Almighty God is the One True God for all ages

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

1 Kgs 18:20-39, Mt. 5:17-19. We have many ideas and images of Jesus and who God our Father is. Sometimes we form a concept of God which is different from the reality of God proclaimed in the Scriptures or in the tradition and teaching of the Church. We try to make God fit into our plans and form God into our image, instead of us to form ourselves into the image and likeness of God. The account of the prophets of Baal in contest with Elijah, as recorded in today's first reading, shows how people frequently try to make God according to their image. Sometimes it is easier to be like the prophets of Baal. They formed their religious practices and ways of life around what they want to have as their understanding of their god. They made up all sorts of rituals and incantations to communicate with and control their god. They tried to lead the people away from worshiping the One True God. We are like those prophets when we try to make God according to our image rather than remembering that we are made in the image of God.  We set up rules and regulations that fit into our lifestyle rather than try to see what we need to do in order to adjust our lifestyle to God’s commands. Elijah went up alone but God was with him and guided him through those challenging moments. Elijah showed that the Lord, the God of Israel is truly the one and only true God, when the false god failed to intercede for his worshippers despite their being four hundred and fifty priests and many others including the king who sided with him against God. Elijah remained firm and resolute, prayed to God, asking Him to remember His people and the love He had for them. God sent fire from Heaven that completely consumed the sacrificial offering and Altar that Elijah built on Mount Carmel even when he had poured a lot of water on the Altar and with that, God showed the people of Israel that He is indeed the one true God, deserving of worship, and not Baal. In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks about the importance of remaining faithful to the commandments of God and teaching others about faithfulness to God since only Him is deserving of our worship. Jesus announces that He has not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to bring them to fulfillment. He promises a special place in the Reign of Heaven for those who keep and help others to keep God’s commands. Almighty God and Father, may the fulfilment of your law be our aim in life, so that you may be our inheritance and do not withhold your Spirit from us but help us find a life of peace after these days of trouble! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!

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