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Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 364
Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, "Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you." Elijah answered, "Go back! Have I done anything to you?" Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.
R. (see 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord. Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you." O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord. I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; and favor me with your law. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the Evil One."
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Via USCCB
Today’s readings present a radical call to wholeheartedness. In the First Reading, we see Elisha making a definitive break from his past life-he literally burns his farming equipment to cook a farewell meal-while in the Gospel, Jesus demands a purity of speech where a simple "Yes" carries the weight of a solemn vow. God is telling us that discipleship isn't a hobby or a side project; it requires an undivided heart. Whether it’s leaving behind a career or simply speaking the truth without embellishment, we are called to a life where our internal convictions and external actions align perfectly.
Let’s look closely at what Elisha actually did. He didn't just park the oxen in the barn "just in case" the prophet gig didn't work out. He slaughtered the oxen and used the wooden plows as fuel to cook them. This was his "burning the ships" moment. In our modern lives, we often like to keep a safety net-we follow Jesus, but we keep our old habits or worldly attachments within arm's reach. Elisha teaches us that sometimes, to move forward, you have to dismantle the mechanism that allows you to go back.
The "No Fluff" Challenge: For the next 24 hours, try to speak without exaggeration, swearing, or unnecessary justification. If you can’t make an event, just say, "I can't make it," without inventing a softer excuse.
Identify Your "Plow": Find one physical item or digital app that tethers you to a habit you’re trying to break. Don’t just hide it; delete it, donate it, or throw it away to close the door on that temptation.
Elisha ran after Elijah with urgency; is there an area of your spiritual life where you are currently dragging your feet instead of running?
Jesus says, "Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes.'" Are there commitments you’ve made to God or others that you are currently fulfilling only halfway?
What is the "safety net" in your life that prevents you from trusting God completely-financial anxiety, a backup plan for a relationship, or a secret habit?
Elisha’s sacrifice became a feast for his neighbors; how might your decision to fully follow Christ actually feed and bless the people around you?
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