Friday of week 10 in Ordinary Time
Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16
Stand on the mountain before the Lord.
At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the LORD came to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD – but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake – but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire – but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?” He replied, “I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.” The LORD said to him, “Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus. When you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king of Aram. Then you shall anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, as king of Israel, and Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.”
Commentary
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16 narrates a significant encounter between the prophet Elijah and God. After a triumphant but exhausting confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah finds himself fleeing in fear and despair. This passage reveals how God meets Elijah in his distress, offering guidance and renewal.
Elijah's Retreat and Despair
Elijah retreats into a cave, seeking solitude in his fear and exhaustion, symbolizing his deep distress and need for divine intervention.
God's Invitation
God instructs Elijah to stand on the mountain, inviting him to witness His presence. This highlights the importance of stepping out to meet God, even in our lowest moments.
Revelation in a Gentle Whisper
God reveals Himself not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This teaches that God often speaks in subtle, quiet ways that require us to be still and attentive.
Expressing Vulnerability
God questions Elijah, allowing him to express his feelings of isolation and frustration. This exchange shows God's patience and understanding of our human vulnerabilities.
Renewed Mission and Purpose
God provides Elijah with specific instructions to anoint new leaders and appoint Elisha as his successor. This renews Elijah's sense of purpose and reassures him of God's ongoing work.
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-16 highlights God's compassionate response to Elijah's despair. It teaches us to listen for God's gentle whisper and trust in His plans, finding renewed purpose and assurance even in our moments of deepest distress.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14
I long to see your face, O Lord.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
I long to see your face, O Lord.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
I long to see your face, O Lord.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
I long to see your face, O Lord.
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Gospel Acclamation
Philippians 2:15d, 16a
Alleluia, alleluia.
Shine like lights in the world,
as you hold on to the word of life.
Alleluia, alleluia.
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Gospel
Matthew 5:27-32
Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.
“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Commentary
Matthew 5:27-32 addresses Jesus' teachings on adultery and divorce. It emphasizes purity not only in actions but also in thoughts and intentions.
Heart and Actions:
Jesus extends the commandment against adultery to include the desires of the heart, urging us to guard against lustful thoughts.
Radical Measures:
Jesus emphasizes the severity of sin by suggesting radical measures to avoid temptation and sin at all costs.
Respect and Commitment:
Jesus stresses the sanctity and permanence of marriage, condemning divorce except in cases of sexual immorality.
Cultural Context:
Jesus challenges prevailing cultural norms on divorce, emphasizing timeless principles of God's design for marriage.
Restoration and Forgiveness:
Jesus acknowledges the brokenness of relationships but offers hope for restoration and healing through grace and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:27-32 calls us to purity in heart and actions, respect for marriage, and a commitment to reconciliation and forgiveness. It challenges cultural norms and offers hope for healing and restoration through God's grace.
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