14 June 2024 - Friday of the 10th even-numbered week
1 Kings 19, 9a.11-16; Matthew 5, 27-32
Homily
Elijah was a prophet powerful in word and deed. When he had the word of God, he did not hesitate to strike down the enemies of the Lord. In the first reading of the Mass a few days ago, we saw him slay the 450 priests of Baal with his own hands. Queen Jezebel, who was protecting these prophets of Baal, wanted to get rid of Elijah. So Elijah fled. After a few days walking in the desert, he was exhausted and discouraged. He received no more word from God. He found himself weak and fearful like all men. He simply received enough food to continue his journey to Horeb. In reality, in this symbolic journey, Elijah has retraced the path of the Exodus from Moses' meeting with Yahweh on the same Mount Horeb.