The scene for the first reading (I Kings 18:20-39) is Mount Carmel which had always been considered a sacred place. David had established an altar there but now King Ahab had destroyed the altar and Carmel became the centre of worship of the false god Baal. The great prophet, Elijah, appears and challenges 450 priests of Baal and the people who follow. ''you must choose between the Lord God and Baal. Kill and cut up a bull and ask your Baal to send down fire upon it and I will pray to the God of Israel and the God of fire will show himself to be the true God.'' It shows Elijah's great trust in God and he prays, ''Answer me, Lord, so that this people will know that you are God and are winning back their hearts.'' God answers the prayer of Elijah and sends down fire to consume his bullock. This won over the people who cried out, ''The Lord is God.'' In the Gospel (Matthew 5:17-19) Jesus shows us that he is the new Elijah who has come to win back the hearts of the people not by abolishing the law which has failed to be a true guide for the people, but by transforming it. He wants to bring it to perfection so that it will lead the people to know God as the Father of love, justice and truth and not a God who is watching every move to judge, condemn and punish. ''They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father and i will love them and reveal myself to them.'' (John 14:21) Come, Lord Jesus and reveal yourself to us.
Don Hornsey
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