DAILY HOMILIES #elijah

To pray well, you must try to listen to what God is saying in the depths of your heart, and this is only possible when you do not talk too much. Jesus says, “In praying, do not heap up empty phrases.” Jesus warns against using prayer to attract others’ applause.

Elijah told Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said: “I pray you, let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha, like Solomon, was given a blank cheque to ask for anything. He could have asked for riches, long life or the death of his enemies, but he asked for a double share of Elijah’s spirit. When I pray, what do I ask for? Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9). With God, all things are possible. If you do not seek, you will not find.

Forgiveness is hard, yet it is the only thing that makes us different from the Gentiles. Practising sincere forgiveness is the only thing that makes us like Christ. To have a forgiving heart is to have a heart that takes no pleasure in the death of a sinner. (cf. Ezekiel 18:23). Don’t wish evil for anyone, and if you ever get the chance to retaliate for a wrong done to you, use it as an opportunity to practice forgiveness.

The moment Elisha sensed his calling, he took the yoke of oxen, slew them, boiled their flesh, and gave it to the people. They all ate, and then he rose, went after Elijah, and ministered to him. Interestingly, this is exactly what Jesus required of Peter and the other apostles (including the seventy others). Jesus also required this of the rich young man: “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21).

If you are on God’s side, be assured of victory. Elijah asked the people to drench the offerings with water three times to prove that God’s power is greater than what science can explain. Elijah did not need to shout or cut his skin like the prophets of Baal. Elijah prayed with faith, and God granted his request immediately.

You are light; you lead, not copy. You do not follow the trends; you create trends. Light bulbs do not need speakers; they speak by doing their jobs. They don’t pretend. If you turn a light bulb on, it will continue to shine even if no one is in the room. Avoid living a fake Christian life – actions speak louder than words. Shine even if no one is clapping.

Practice the Beatitudes; be merciful, and forgive quickly and completely. I will tell you one secret: “No one ever became happy because of revenge.” Inflicting pain on others because they hurt you in the past only increases your sorrows. Whatever you give out, you get back double, and the cycle never ends. Let the pain end with you; forgive and let everything go. Be a peacemaker; do not let yourself become an instrument others use to fight their enemies or settle quarrels and disputes. Be pure in heart; do not wish evil for anybody; do not make room for evil spirits in your heart by watching pornography or feasting on indecent thoughts.

Philip’s encounter with the Eunuch successfully led to his conversion and subsequent baptism. This success did not come from Philip’s eloquence, holiness, knowledge, teaching skills, ability to work miracles or respectful behaviour. God alone deserves all the glory because He prepared the heart of the Eunuch to receive His Word. Jesus explains this in today’s Gospel passage: “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him.” (John 6:44).

Very often, we are just like Herod; we gather around ourselves a bunch of sycophants and praise singers. Anyone who tells us the truth, challenges us, or criticises us is considered our enemy. Instead of accepting our faults, we find a way to eliminate such a person. Be humble enough to take criticism. You are not always as perfect as your ego makes you believe. Consider those who criticise you to be your real friends, helping you to grow.

Christmas is a time of visitation. As God visited us, we are called to visit (bring glad tidings) one another this season. Again, as God came to redeem us, we are called to redeem (assist, support, encourage, rescue, forgive) those who are down. As there are many parties and celebrations during this period, let us not forget that many are lonely, sad, hungry, sick, and hopeless. Some are even mourning their loved ones. Celebrate Christmas by spreading love, joy and hope.

Zechariah’s obedience to God’s instruction restored his ability to speak. When we obey God, we permit Him to carry out His will in our lives. Often, we behave as though we know better than God, only to find ourselves in a dead end like Jonah. If we persist in our sinfulness, we can never achieve all that God has planned for us.

When the truth hits us hard, we immediately resist it because it opposes what we are used to; it challenges our pride and sense of security. Like the audience in today’s Gospel passage, we may assume we are being insulted if we don’t reflect on it. Avoid praise singers; they are like that rat that blows air on its victim before feasting on its flesh.