Jar of meal shall not be spent

Jar of meal shall not be spent

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

1 Kgs 17:7-16, Mt. 5:13-16. Today's first reading recounts the encounter of the prophet Elijah with the widow of Zarephath. Elijah went to the region of Sidon, during the three years period of great drought and famine, when the whole land of Israel and the surrounding regions were deprived of rain. Due to drought, there was lack of food, yet the people remained obstinate, especially king Ahab. It was at this occurrence that Elijah encountered a widow in the town of Zarephath, who was bereft of hope. Her only hope was the last meal for herself and her son before they died out of food. However, her hope was restored for her generosity when miraculously, the flour and oil she used to make the bread for the prophet Elijah did not run out. God provided for His prophet Elijah, the widow and her son, whom at that time belonged to the group of non-Israelites living outside the bounds of the land of Israel.

The widow of Zarephath opened her heart and mind to the Lord’s words and truth and became salt, light and a city built on a hill as Jesus says in today's Gospel. Salt is a very important preservative and was also important in its use in giving flavour to the food, while light was crucial in a society before the advent of cheap and easily obtainable light sources using electricity. Like the widow of Zarephath, we are called to be the bearer of this new hope and strength, courage and perseverance to others during times of great difficulties and challenges. Living such life of the Gospel is especially relevant this period, considering the numerous troubles, trials, dangers and problems we have encountered in the first few months of this year. How have we as Christians acted in the midst of all these challenges? We are challenged to bring hope and light into our communities and help others to shore up hope amidst despair and weakness. Let us not be filled with negativity, thus fail to put our trust in God.

May the Lord guide our path to be true light, deepen our love for others, to be true salt and strength to alleviate the sufferings of others especially this period of coronavirus pandemic! Amen!! Keep safe and have a pleasant day!!!

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