Scripture Meditation...June 18,2008

Scripture: 11th week in Ordinary Time, June 18,2008, a Wednesday. II
Kings 2:1, 6-14. Psalm 31:20,21,24. Matthew 6:1-6,16-18. Lectionary # 367

Elijah is the only prophet who hands over the mantle of a prophet to
his disciple Elisha. This new disciple-prophet will continue in the
footsteps of his master and will do many similar things in a miraculous
way. His fidelity and trust have enabled him to receive what he asks from
Elijah, his father-figure: "give me a double portion of your spirit."
Elijah will now be swooped into heaven amidst a whirlwind while being
trajected there by fiery horses and a chariot aflame. It is quite an image
that years ago one of the gas companies had it as their symbol (Mobile
Gas). Israel is not left alone. It has a prophet who will lead them through
difficult times.It is now Elisha who enters their and our salvation
history.
Both prophets live out the Psalm and its response in the verses we
sing or hear: "Let your hearts take comfrot 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."
Jesus now takes up the three great pillars of Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam: almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. His words show us the
importance of these acts and he encourages each of us to live them out
quietly without ostentation and to get into the spirit of these three modes
of relationship to God and neighbor. Three words are good for our personal
reflection. They come at the end of these three acts: alms...The Father
sees in secret; prayer...pray to your Father in private; and fasting...
your Father sees what is hidden and will repay you." This is the spirit
which is passed on as the mantle of Elijah and upon us from Jesus as his
disciples. Amen.