Readings for Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
The story of Elijah being taken bodily to heaven gives some unique insights into the reverence with which he is held. We note first that he parts the waters of the Jordan with his cloak; a clear reference to other great leaders of the people; Moses who, through God, opened the Red Sea and Joshua at the Jordan.
We also note that Elisha asked for a “double portion” of his spirit as an inheritance. “Double portion of your spirit: as the first-born son inherited a double portion of his father's property (Deut 21:17), so Elisha asks to inherit from Elijah his spirit of prophecy in the degree befitting his principal disciple. In Numbers 11:17, 25 God bestows some of the spirit of Moses on others.[3]”
Following the ascension of Elijah, Elisha’s request is apparently granted as he uses the cloak of Elijah to repeat the miracle, opening the Jordan once more. The succession of Prophets is complete.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31 is an individual lament. The faithful are comforted that God may be trusted and that even in the face of enemies, God, who has shown His love from age to age, will save his people. Placed with Matthew (6:1-6, 16-18), a clear reference is made to God’s love of those who are humble.
Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
The Lord continues the sermon we have been hearing for the past two days. In this selection the Lord specifically addresses the pious acts of charity, prayer, and fasting. He tells us that when we do these things, do them for God to see not other people. We are to do what is right for God’s glory not our own, not so that others will place us in high esteem because of our piety or generosity.
Reflection:
There is an interesting contrast provided today between the very spectacular ascension of Elijah, accompanied by miracles and chariots of fire, and the instruction by Christ to his disciples that our pious actions must done with humility. As contrasting as the stories are, the point is well taken. God’s glory is important because it constitutes an invitation to salvation. Our own glory leads only to pride, envy, jealousy, and hate.
How wise is the Lord to make sure we see where the path of pride leads us. When we take our eyes off God and try to put ourselves in front of him, how vulnerable we become. If what we do, we do for God’s glory, so that others might see his greatness, his love, we have offered his message to them. “Come to the Lord” we say with our actions. “In Him there is comfort, peace, and true strength that flows from the Holy Spirit.” Could we use those words directly without scaring many of our friends? It would be difficult. But, with our actions, that is a different story.
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
The story of Elijah being taken bodily to heaven gives some unique insights into the reverence with which he is held. We note first that he parts the waters of the Jordan with his cloak; a clear reference to other great leaders of the people; Moses who, through God, opened the Red Sea and Joshua at the Jordan.
We also note that Elisha asked for a “double portion” of his spirit as an inheritance. “Double portion of your spirit: as the first-born son inherited a double portion of his father's property (Deut 21:17), so Elisha asks to inherit from Elijah his spirit of prophecy in the degree befitting his principal disciple. In Numbers 11:17, 25 God bestows some of the spirit of Moses on others.[3]”
Following the ascension of Elijah, Elisha’s request is apparently granted as he uses the cloak of Elijah to repeat the miracle, opening the Jordan once more. The succession of Prophets is complete.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31 is an individual lament. The faithful are comforted that God may be trusted and that even in the face of enemies, God, who has shown His love from age to age, will save his people. Placed with Matthew (6:1-6, 16-18), a clear reference is made to God’s love of those who are humble.
Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
The Lord continues the sermon we have been hearing for the past two days. In this selection the Lord specifically addresses the pious acts of charity, prayer, and fasting. He tells us that when we do these things, do them for God to see not other people. We are to do what is right for God’s glory not our own, not so that others will place us in high esteem because of our piety or generosity.
Reflection:
There is an interesting contrast provided today between the very spectacular ascension of Elijah, accompanied by miracles and chariots of fire, and the instruction by Christ to his disciples that our pious actions must done with humility. As contrasting as the stories are, the point is well taken. God’s glory is important because it constitutes an invitation to salvation. Our own glory leads only to pride, envy, jealousy, and hate.
How wise is the Lord to make sure we see where the path of pride leads us. When we take our eyes off God and try to put ourselves in front of him, how vulnerable we become. If what we do, we do for God’s glory, so that others might see his greatness, his love, we have offered his message to them. “Come to the Lord” we say with our actions. “In Him there is comfort, peace, and true strength that flows from the Holy Spirit.” Could we use those words directly without scaring many of our friends? It would be difficult. But, with our actions, that is a different story.
When a person comes to us and tells us what a wonderful job we have done and we explain that is only with God’s help we accomplished the task, where are we pointing? When, in a crisis, supported by God’s spirit for which we pray constantly, a person comes to us and says “I don’t know how you can remain so calm.” Our answer could be “It is because I am brave and can withstand any pressure.” Who does that point to? If we recognized were our strength comes from our answer would be “It is my faith that supports me and gives me courage”, pointing to God.
It is good that we are reminded that God sees our hearts and knows when we have been true to His Son. We rejoice that what we do, whether it is fasting, praying, or alms giving is known by the Father and he is keeping our treasure for us in His Heavenly Kingdom.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used is “Ascension of Elijah” by Juan de Valdés Leal, 1658
[3] See NAB footnote on 2 Kg 2;9
It is good that we are reminded that God sees our hearts and knows when we have been true to His Son. We rejoice that what we do, whether it is fasting, praying, or alms giving is known by the Father and he is keeping our treasure for us in His Heavenly Kingdom.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used is “Ascension of Elijah” by Juan de Valdés Leal, 1658
[3] See NAB footnote on 2 Kg 2;9
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