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Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 367
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together. Fifty of the guild prophets followed and when the two stopped at the Jordan, they stood facing them at a distance. Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground.
When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.
Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over.
R. (25) Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. How great is the goodness, O LORD, which you have in store for those who fear you, And which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of men. R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men; You screen them within your abode from the strife of tongues. R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord. Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones! The LORD keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly. R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
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
There is a striking contrast in today’s readings. In Kings, we have a whirlwind, chariots of fire, and a dramatic splitting of the Jordan River. In the Gospel, Jesus whispers to us about the "inner room," hidden almsgiving, and secret fasting. What connects them? The reality that true spiritual power isn't found in the public spectacle, but in a private relationship with God. Whether you are tearing your clothes in grief like Elisha or closing your bedroom door to pray, God is most present when you stop performing for the crowd and start engaging with Him as an Audience of One.
Let’s look closely at Elisha’s request: "May I receive a double portion of your spirit." To our modern ears, this might sound greedy or arrogant. However, in that culture, the "double portion" was the inheritance right of the firstborn son-it meant Elisha was asking to be the true successor, the one responsible for carrying on the mission. He wasn't asking for fame; he was asking for the *capacity* to serve. He knew he couldn't face the challenges ahead without a massive infusion of grace. Do you have that kind of boldness? Do you ask God for merely "enough to get by," or do you ask for an abundance of His Spirit so you can serve others better?
The "Ghost" Good Deed: Look for one opportunity today to do something kind that *absolutely no one* will know about except you and God. It could be picking up trash in the office parking lot or making an anonymous donation. If you tell someone, it doesn't count!
The 5-Minute Door check: Jesus is literal about the "inner room." Today, physically go into a room (a bedroom, a parked car, even a closet), shut the door, and spend five minutes in silence. Remind yourself: *The Father sees me here.*
When you do something good, how strong is the temptation to subtly let others know about it (social media, dropping hints in conversation)?
If God were the only one to ever see your spiritual life, would that be enough for you, or do you crave the validation of others?
Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle to continue the work. What responsibility or role has God placed in front of you that you’ve been hesitant to fully pick up?
If you asked God for a "double portion" of His Spirit today, what specific areas of your life would you want that grace to transform?
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