THE WORLD IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT. (Homily for June 8, 2016. Wednesday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time.)

Bible Study:  1^st Kings 18, 20 to 39 and Matthew 5, 17 to 19.

In the encounter between Elijah standing alone for God against the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, there is an obvious lesson we must learn; that indeed, there is no security in numbers. In our everyday choices, we should never depend on the world for direction. Instead, we should be bold enough to trust the word of God and do what the word says even if it is obviously different from what others are doing.

Dare to be different! Dare to Stand Alone! Elijah stood alone as one man at a time when all of Israel were heads over heels for Baal. The public challenge was an opportunity to prove to them that their baal was completely useless, a mere piece of carved idol, having eyes but cannot see, ears but cannot hear, mouth but cannot speak.

Even in our own day and time, idol worship is still very much in vogue. We claim to be Christians but we are still hooked on to idol worship in one form or another. Whatever takes the place of God in our lives, for which we are prepared to disobey God’s commandments is an idol.

If for instance, you spend over four hours on social media or in front of your television every day and you cannot afford to spend even one hour reading the bible and doing personal meditation, then know that you are into idol worship. If you spend a whole day working for money and you find it difficult to spend even five minutes on your kneels for prayer, then know that money is your idol. If you ever catch yourself telling lies, stealing, dishonouring your body etc. for the sake of money or pleasure then know that you are into idol worship.

Do not get carried away by the fact that something is popular or trending. Do not allow the society define right and wrong for you, let God alone be your standard of judgment. It is better to Godly than to be popular.

In our Gospel passage, Jesus says anyone who keeps the commandments of God and teaches others to do same will be considered great in the kingdom of God. It is better to do what God says and be considered great in heaven than to do what most people think is right and be considered great on earth only for you to die and spend eternity in hell.

Let us Pray:

Lord Jesus, help me to put you first and consider your opinion before others in anything I do that I may never slip into the worship of other gods. Amen.

Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you.