Choosing the better

In the first reading of the day we read how Elijah has to ask God to rain down fire on the holocaust in order to prove himself as the God of Israel.  What is interesting to note is the attitude of the people.  They are literally like total babies unable to decide for themselves whether they are on Yahweh's side or wish to believe and follow Baal (other gods).  

This indecisiveness is an easy and safe option.  With no commitments to any side, one is free to pick and choose whatever one wants as per one's convenience.  It is what most of us would naturally do.  But the Lord asks of us a total commitment. Unfortunately it is understood as a 'one or the other' option.  Choosing the Lord does not mean giving up the world.  It means continued living in the world with a different perspective.  Radicality is not in exclusivity but in striking a healthy balance with the focus clearly on God, and the other, prior to oneself.  The Lord never asks us to give up something good, unless it is for the better!