Tuesday, June 9, 2020

1 Kings, Chapter 17, Verse 13

Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Afterwards you can prepare something for yourself and your son.

Anyone can be for the Lord during the good times; but can you still have a heart of faith and love during the worst of times. Here Elijah asked the widow of Zarephath to not be afraid and make a cake for him from the last of her food during the worst famine in her lifetime. What she did was just that and by her faith Elijah was able to multiply the oil and flour and later even raises her son back to life. The lesson here is sin brings suffering fidelity brings nourishment. The power of Yahweh to take away life and to restore it is here demonstrated, as is Elijah’s confidence in the Lord.[1]

The Widow’s Generosity[2]

The widow of Zarephath was challenged by the prophet Elijah to share what little she had, in spite of her desperate circumstances. Because of this poor woman’s generosity and goodness, and Elijah’s faithfulness, God strengthened the prophet’s faith and renewed his capacity for ministry. The Lord used the prophet to bring consolation and peace of mind and heart to the widow and her son. Authentic ministry is always mutual: we set out to help others and we end up being helped and blessed by the very people we set out to help! The Lord will provide for us, beyond outward appearances of weakness, failure, fatigue, trepidation and fear. God always does far more than we can ever ask for or imagine! This striking Old Testament story forces us to ask some serious questions of our own lives.

· How have we responded to the needs of those around us when we've felt that we’ve got little or nothing to give?

· Do we worry that there will not be enough for us if we give away our money or our time?

Elijah exhorted the widow with the words, "Do not be afraid." This same admonition is repeated in the Gospels and was also the refrain of St. John Paul II's long, fruitful, prophetic Petrine ministry: "Be not afraid!"

· How does fear affect our lives and keep us from obeying the spirit of the Lord?

· Do we cling to those things that cannot help us, forgetting to trust in the goodness of God?

The widow of Zarephath was generous with Elijah. She gave to the limit of her resources, and God rewarded both the widow and her son.

· Do we have that same radical faith and trust?

· Do we behave as if we are owners of our talents and resources or simply as if we are God's steward?

This reading causes us to make some firm resolves with our own lives. Let me suggest a few concrete actions based on this story from the First Book of Kings. It is important to consider our own willingness to be generous with both material goods and with our very being. Perhaps this week we can ask God for the grace to respond charitably to those who ask of us, whether it is a worthwhile charity or the neighbor, friend or colleague who simply needs to talk and to be heard. The well-to-do who put money in the treasury were never condemned by Jesus; he simply pointed out the nature of their contribution. They gave from their surplus, and thus it did not "cost" them as much to give.

· Do we have a surplus from which to contribute?

· If so, do we use this money in the best way possible? How do we consider our charitable giving?

· Are we concerned with the poor, the sick, the homeless, refugees and those on the peripheries of society? Do we use our wealth to help create a culture of life? Or are we more interested in building up our personal security?

Perhaps we can pray this week for wisdom and a spirit of generosity so that we will use our money to help further the kingdom of God.

Tired of being Jailed in your Home? Where to Travel in June[3]

· Machu Picchu

Explore the incredible Inca ruins of Peru’s Machu Picchu, often called “Lost city of the Incas.” Take an adventurous climb to see the Temple of Condor and Sun Gate -- the end point for the Inca Trail. Visit in June to take advantage of the dry season and to avoid the heavy crowds in July and August.

· Father's Day (June 21)

Don’t forget about Dad this month. Spend some extra time with your father figure by planning a trip to go fly fishing, rock climbing or skydiving. For a getaway minus the adrenaline-pumping thrills, we have a few Father’s Day travel ideas like a brewery tour in Portland, Oregon, or game of golf in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Daily Devotions/Practices

· Always justify to yourself the opinions of your superiors and of your confessor knowing humble obedience to authentic authority is a spiritual weapon.

· Make reparations to the Holy Face-Tuesday Devotion

· Pray Day 8 of the Novena for our Pope and Bishops

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Universal Man Plan

· Pray for our nation.

· Rosary

[1]The Collegeville Bible Commentary, 1986.

[2]http://saltandlighttv.org/blogfeed/getpost.php?id=70273&language=en

[3]https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/summer/photos/things-to-do-in-june

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