The Challenging Journey to Mount Horeb

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 19th Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 6:41-51*

*First Reading - 1 Kgs 19:4-8*

*Second Reading - Eph 4:30-5:2*

*The Challenging Journey to Mount Horeb*

*1) Horeb the Mountain of God*

The first reading of today from the 1Kings tells us that, the mount Horeb is called the Mountain of the Lord

 Mount Horeb is also identified with Mount Sinai, where Moess was called. It was this place where Moses obtained water from the Rock

This is also a place where Israelites made covenant with Yahweh, and it is on this mountsin Moses received 10 commandments from God 

Because of the above reasons the Mount Horeb is called the Mountain of the Lord.

*2) Elijah's Journey to Mount Horeb*

Elijah wanted to escape from the wrath of Queen Jezebel. So he ran towards mount Horeb 

But the Journey was not easy. As he travelled by foot, he was tired, he had no food, he had no water to drink and he had no house to stay. 

Finally he landed under the broom tree and he sat down there

He was desperate and he was praying for the death than life, because he saw there was no way to live 

*3) God's intervention when life is at its zero level*

Elijah was asking for death rather than life. We can say that this is the most terrible moment of ones life. 

As he fell a sleep under the Broom tree, the Angel of the Lord appeared him. 

The Angel gave him some food and to drink some water. As he was woken up by the Angel, he ate whatever was given and slept again 

Once again he was given the food and he ate it and he was ready for his journey

*4) The Journey continues*

With the power of food, Elijah starts his journey, as commanded by the angel of the Lord. 

Elijah was able to travel for 40 days and night to reach the mount Horeb 

The food which was given by the angel was not an ordinary food. It was s special food, which sustained him for 40 days and nights and to continue his journey

*5) Elijah listened to the Angel of the Lord*

With the journey he had lost all hope and he was asking for death rather than life 

But then when angel appeared him, he didn't question the angel in any way. He simply followed what the angel said and did what he was supposed to do 

Since he listened to the Angel of the Lord, he was saved and finally he could reach the mount Horeb 

*6) Need to food to reach the mount Horeb*

Elijah needed food to reach the mountain of the Lord 

In the Gospel also Jesus speaks about the heavenly food in order to reach the Mountain of the Lord

Unless we take this spiritual food, one can't enere into eternal life 

So we need the food to continue our journey and to reach the mountain of the Lord 

*7) Food for Foutry Days and Eternity*

In the first reading the Angel of the Lord gives a special food which sustained Elijah for 40 days. So it was not an ordinary food. 

In the Gospel Jesus speaks about the food from heaven which will sustain us for eternity 

So we have been called to take this food to containe our journey and to reach the mountain of the Lord 

*8) Our Journey to the Mountain of the Lord*

Like Elijah, we too are moving towards the mountain of the Lord 

During our journey we may encounter a different challenges, like that of Elijah

There may be some Jezebel queens who are chasing us 

There may be shortage of food, drink and shelter 

There may be a situation where we may feel that, life is enough, 

But the situation also comes and angel of the Lord will appear and give us food and drink. If so, what is my reaction? 

What is my understanding about the Food from heaven, which was given by Jesus? 

*9) Where is my Horeb - the Mountain of the Lord?*

Am I moving towards Horeb or away from Horeb? 

Have I found the way to Horeb or not? 

The destiny of my Life is Horeb. Do u agree with this??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*