Scripture Study for

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Understanding the Word

By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.

The prophet Elijah goes into the desert, not to pray or to recommit himself  to the service of the Lord, but in the hope that he will die. The office of prophet  has become too heavy to bear. He sits under a broom tree, hoping to die. His  prayer is not heard; his mission has not yet been completed. Instead, an angel of  the Lord brings him food and drink. Then in the strength of this mysterious food  and water, he walks forty days and forty nights, arriving at Horeb, the mountain of  revelation. A story that begins in desperation ends with the prophet once again  actively involved in God’s affairs. 

The second reading opens with a plea directed to the Christians not to grieve  the Holy Spirit of God. They have been sealed by this Spirit, a seal that is a pledge  of the fulfillment of their redemption. The author then urges the Christians to live  lives of generosity of heart, compassion, tolerance, and patience. They are to  forgive others as God has forgiven them, by accepting the sacrifice of Christ on  their behalf. The Trinitarian theology is obvious. As imitators of God, and after  the example of Christ, they have been called to live according to the Spirit. 

The exchange between Jesus and his opponents was meant to enhance the  status of one member of the exchange as it diminished the status of the other.  In a clever turn of phrase, Jesus declares that only those drawn by God will be  drawn to the one who was sent by God. If one does not come to him, it is probably a sign that person was never called by God. This argument ends with a declaration of Jesus’ ultimate authority and power. Not only is he the one who came  down from heaven, but he is the one who will raise people up from the dead, for  whoever believes this has eternal life. 

Living the Word logo

Copyright © 2021, 2020, 2019, 2012, 2011, 2010 World Library Publications, a div. of GIA Publications, Inc. www.giamusic.com
All rights reserved. Used by permission.