Scripture Study for
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 19:4–8 / Psalm 34:9a / Ephesians 4:30 — 5:2 / John 6:41–51
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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.