The Courage to embrace the truth over temporary gain (HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II (JUNE 10 2024

HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II (JUNE 10 2024)

1King 17:1-6; Ps. 121; Matthew 5:1-12

The Courage to embrace the truth over temporary gain

Dearly beloved,

Today, we confront a poignant reality through the lens of sacred scripture: the challenge of embracing truth when it conflicts with personal gain. In an age where economic advantage often dictates allegiance, the divine call to truth can be obscured by the immediate needs of sustenance.

Yet, we are reminded that spiritual guidance, particularly the promptings of the Holy Spirit, transcends our earthly desires. Fulfilling our basic needs does not inherently bestow upon us the Holy Spirit; conversely, when we are led by the Spirit, our needs find their fulfillment in accordance with divine providence.

The scriptural account of Elijah, presented in our first reading, exemplifies this principle. Tasked with delivering a foreboding prophecy to King Ahab, Elijah did not waver. To speak ill before a monarch is not only an offense but borders on self-endangerment. The prudent counsel might have been silence, allowing the Almighty to address the king directly. Yet, Elijah's fidelity to God's command was unwavering.

This narrative serves as a stark reminder that prioritizing our needs above our devotion to God is tantamount to idolatry, betraying a lack of trust in God's providence. When Elijah proclaimed a drought upon the land, he did so without assurance of his own well-being, mirroring Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son without regard for his own loss. In both instances, God's faithfulness remained unshaken.

We must recognize that our service to God should be unconditional. Our faith ought to compel us towards obedience, even when it seems perilous. Rest assured, God does not impose upon us impossible burdens; He is not the taskmaster demanding bricks without straw. When we act under divine direction, we are assured of divine protection.

Let us, therefore, embrace the truth with courage, trusting in the Lord's guidance, and be confident that in His service, our needs and our spiritual well-being are secured. Amen.

God bless you all