Today we have the wonderful first reading from the book of Kings where we see that the One God is better than any lesser god. The events on Mount Carmel were truly amazing. Elijah, the prophet of the LORD, the One God appealed to the people to settle the issue once and for all: if the LORD is God, then follow him; if Baal, then follow him.
Then, he set up a demonstration. Altars were built, animal sacrifices were prepared, but no fires were lit. Elijah asked the prophets of Baal (450 of them) to pray to Baal to come and light the fire for them. They prayed and waited for a very long time and nothing happened. No fire appeared.
Then Elijah ordered that a stone altar be built for the One God, upon which he arranged a young bull on the wood. Then he poured water on the wood three times. This caused water to flow from the altar and fill a trench around the altar. Then Elijah prayed once: Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things by your command. Answer me, Lord!
Then, the Lord's fire came down and consumed the burnt offering, wood, stone and dust and it lapped up the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, "The Lord is God! The Lord is God!
God answers our prayers, he fulfills his laws, he brings his promises to completion.
When we obey him great things can happen for us and those we love. Until the time of the major transformation at the Last Day we are content to live God's law of love that comes from the mouth of Jesus – and is demonstrated by his deeds: as he is the altar, the sacrifice and the priest who offers the sacrifice – for us – and for our salvation – and the Holy Spirit is the fire that consumes the sacrifice, purifies it and makes it acceptable to God.
Keep us safe, O God, you are our hope! You will show us the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever!
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