We start a new set of readings in the cycle of ordinary time. The gospel for the next few weeks will be from St. Matthew. We begin with the Sermon on the Mount which opens with the Beatitudes. We should be attentive as we go through the Sermon as something of the marching orders we have as Christians. The First Reading is from the Old Testament first book of Kings which tells the story of Elijah the prophet. Although there is no book associated with Elijah he is, in many ways, the ideal of what a prophet should be — someone who has no problem speaking truth to power while at the same time offering compassion toward the suffering. But, of course, what makes a prophet a prophet is their complete dedication to God and the will of God wherever it would lead. Elijah continues to occupy a place in Jewish spirituality as the harbinger of the coming Messiah. Elijah is the one who visits the circumcision ceremony of every Jewish male. It is customary at a Seder meal to leave an empty place for Elijah at the table, just in case he shows up.
JUNE102024
By Church Staff