​You Are My Hope

I walked by chapel earlier and saw that no one was signed up to read at Mass tomorrow.  Since I haven’t done this for a while, I decided to sign up.
 
Later, when I sat down for my daily time of scriptural prayer, I thought it would be good to use the readings for Wednesday since I may not have a chance to prepare later. 
(When I work in our infirmary until 10 p.m., it impacts my morning schedule.)
 
To my delight, I quickly realized that the first reading was the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. 


I was happy that I would be able to do this reading at Mass tomorrow.  It’s a story that I have long enjoyed, for some reason. 
 
In case you don’t remember, this story from 1 Kings recounts a time when the people of Israel were wavering in their faith; they were undecided between following God and worshipping the idol of their neighbors. 


Against the odds, Elijah’s contest against the prophets of Baal proves overwhelmingly who is the true God.   Fire consumes his offering, despite everything having been drenched with water.
 
This episode in Israel’s history is a reminder to us that, no matter how bleak things may seem, God will be victorious.  As tomorrow’s responsorial psalm reminds us, He is our hope on Whom we rely for everything.

Even when, humanly speaking, we can't see a way forward, we are reminded here of who can make a way and turn our losses into victory.