Wednesday 8 June 2022
1 Kings 18:20-39. Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope – Psalm 15(16):1-2, 4-5, 8, 11. Matthew 5:17-19.
Elijah vanquishes the priests of Baal
‘Authenticity’ is the watchword of today’s marketer, advertiser and (shudder) ‘influencer’. If brands say they stand for something their actions need to match their words lest consumers be turned off and employees look to move elsewhere. It’s a trust situation and, as everyone knows, once lost trust can be difficult to regain. Today’s first reading then is a comedy sketch about authenticity and trust. Who is the real God? Whose deeds match their words? The priests of Baal are flapping around calling on their God to light the fire and getting more exhausted, frustrated and ridiculous as nothing happens. Then Elijah, obviously enjoying his time in the spotlight, ups the ante and, in the most public manner possible, ensures the wood is sodden before calling on God to light the fire. Of course, God answers with deeds to match Elijah’s words. God was ‘on brand’, and there’s nothing more attractive and authentic than that.
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