Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading              1Kings 17: 1-6

Psalm                           Ps. 34: 2-3. 4-5. 6-7. 8-9 (R.9a)

Gospel                          Matthew 5: 1-12

Edmund Elorm Ackuaku

GOD AS OUR SOURCE

We have interesting readings before us today as they contain certain key particulars that ought to be given some attention. Preference shall be given 1st Kings (first reading) and Matthew 5 (Gospel) throughout the week (a sort of lectio continua).  Notably, we shall delve into the personality of Elijah (first reading) which spans from Chapters 17-19 and Jesus' teachings which basically dwell on his proclamation of the Kingdom categorized under his teachings on the mount in the Gospel.

Reading about Elijah in the first reading is pedagogical. Two reasons can be reflected upon: 

The first being Elijah's reappearance in the New Testament as John the Baptist (cf. Malachi 3: 23; Matthew 11:13-14; Luke 1:17). After the Ordinary Time we shall be preparing to have another grand event, Christmas for which a period of preparation shall be allocated (Advent).  The Old Testament origin of individuals in these events of Advent and Christmas should be traced immediately. This  will serve to help us lay good hands on the personalities involved in Salvation history, specifically in Narratives regarding the birth of the Christ. Mother Church, I believe, wants us to commence preparation as soon as possible by reflecting on figures as these. We have to start preparing now to meet the King to be born. 

Secondly, the name of Elijah draws a spectacular attitude which we need to cultivate even as we embark on the 2nd phase of our journey in the Ordinary Time  (Weeks 9-34). This name, rooted in Hebrew, means My God is Yahweh. This very name stresses confidence and dependence on God alone. This is reflected in man's service to God and, at length, to fellow men. In fact, in Elijah's own words we note “...whom I serve” (v. 1) which may confirm our service to God and man as expressive of confidence and dependence. 

The Gospel commences with a look at the beatitudes. These beatitudes, to some, is a reversal of values in society. The weak are proclaimed good while the strong and those in the hem of affairs, particularly the political leaders in Jesus' era are seen as bad. 

A beatitude, from 'Beatus' (Latin), connotes a state of blessedness or happiness. The beatitudes, as we always hear them, can be categorized into three so as to further our reflection. We may have 'beatitudes of want and need' (concerning the poor, those who mourn, the hungry and thirsty), 'beatitudes of virtue' (meekness, mercy, cleanness in Heart, Peace), and 'beatitude of Persecution' (persecution for the sake of righteousness). 

'Beatitudes of want and need' concern a lack of something; money,  for which the poor are promised an inheritance of the riches of heaven, the departure of another person or absence of a thing for which those who mourn are promised comfort, and satisfaction for which those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are promised satisfaction. 

We have to make efforts to cultivate the virtues outlined in the 'beatitudes of virtue'. 

Persecution reflects strive, suffering, pain, even in our proclamation of God's saving power. “Suffering, like the fires that test gold”, St. Padre Pio remarks, “serves to purify and not destroy”. 

Just remain steadfast, be faithful, depend on God only and be examined by virtues. An unexamined life is not worth living.

Pax et Bonum