Friday of the 10th week in ordinary time
1 Kings 19: 9a. 11-16 Mathew 5: 27-32
Theme: The Lords mandate
In the 1st reading of today from the 1st Book of Kings, we see how the people break their covenant with God, the people of Israel out of jealousy have destroyed the alter of God and killed the prophets. Only Elijah was left to report to God what they have done. Immediately Elijah was done, the Lord gave him a mandate with the names of those to continue his mission. This simply points out one very important fact that we must always remember, no one can stop or bring the work of God to an end. It is greater than any individual or group of people.
It is a mistake to think that if you can stop an individual or a group of people you will bring it to an end. It is a mission that is of God and is greater than everyone of us. God will always raise men and women who will continue to take his word to the ends of the earth. The earlier we all understand this fact, the better for us. You must be mindful of what you say or do against the anointed of God, lest you begin to fight against God without knowing it, and it will not end well for you. Instead of plotting against them, kindly remember them in your prayers, and leave the rest to the God who has called them to work in his vineyard. This is the best way to handle such a situation.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus presents to us a teaching on adultery that will challenge so many of us. If you look at a woman lustfully you have already committed adultery. This is the teaching of Jesus Christ in today’s gospel, so you don’t have to do it physically. This is a call to a higher morality than the usual that is the usual norm. Jesus is simply speaking to all of us who have embraced Christianity, we must do better than the usual thing that is done by others. I would like to use the analogy of the priest and lay people here. There are certain things that a priest will do, and the people will not accept it, because he is a priest. But a lay person will do the same thing and it will not be an issue. The situation is like what Jesus is presenting to us in todays gospel reading. Simply put, we must be conscious of who we are as children of God and do all within our power to lead good and holy lives like the children of God that we are. As you do this may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.