11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?

From Esau and Jacob to the prodigal son, stories about inheritance run throughout the Scriptures.   In this passage (2 Kings 2:1, 6 – 14), however, the focus is on a spiritual inheritance and not on something like money or land.   When Elisha asked the prophet Elijah for a double portion of his spirit, he was asking for the honor of being set apart as Elijah’s spiritual son.   And by the end of the passage, we find Elisha stepping into this very role.

It seems simple, doesn’t it?   Just pick up the prophet’s mantle, and miracles will flow.   But that’s not exactly how it happened.   Elisha was able to do all he did because he had spent many days, months, and years with his mentor, Elijah.   He saw the man of God in action; he heard him preach; he prayed and fasted with him; he endured the same persecutions and challenges that Elijah did.   In the end, when Elisha parted the Jordan River, it wasn’t because he had Elijah’s special cloak.   It was because he had taken on Elijah’s heart.

In a similar way, you share in Christ’s inheritance.   The Holy Spirit that lived in him lives in you.   But just as Elisha learned to be like Elijah by walking with him every day, you need to walk with Jesus every day so that you can take on his heart.   That’s what releases the power of the Spirit in your life!

Do you go to Mass?   Pray for your friends and family?   Read Scripture?   Talk to the Lord at home or at work?   Every second spent with him counts!   That’s because as much as you are trying to please the Lord, he is working so much more in you.   He always takes the little you give him and multiplies it immensely—just as he multiplied five loaves and two fishes!

You may not have received a physical mantle as Elisha did, but you have received a spiritual one.   Now, every bit of time you spend with Jesus is making a difference in your life.   So follow Elisha’s example and try to walk with Jesus today.   Then watch him pour out his grace.

“Thank you, Jesus, for paving the way for me to share in your inheritance.”

Psalm 31:20-21, 24
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18