Readings: 2 Kings 2:1,6-14, Ps. 31:20,21,24, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18)
“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:18)
Today’s first reading tells the story of Elijah’s ascension into heaven. It also tells us how Elisha succeeded Elijah as Israel’s prophet. A few days ago, we read how Elijah put his mantle on Elisha’s back as a sign of his Divine Call. Elisha, who quickly understood the meaning of this gesture, did not hesitate to become a student of Elijah. Like the disciples of Jesus, Elisha left everything behind (he sacrificed the oxen he was working with) to follow Elijah. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns against the spirituality of hypocrisy – practising our righteousness to be seen by men. Let us now highlight some lessons contained in today’s readings:
- With God, all things are possible. The story of Elijah’s ascension tells us that when we are willing to work with God, there is no limit to what He can do with us. We also see a manifestation of God’s power when Elijah struck the Jordan with his mantle, and the water parted into two, creating a pathway on which Elijah and Elisha crossed to the other side of the river. This reminds us of how the Israelites, led by Moses, crossed the Red Sea on foot. (cf. Exodus 14:21-22).
- Elijah asked Elisha to wait while he went to the Jordan, but Elisha refused, saying: “I will not let you go.” This reminds us of what Jacob said to the Angel of God after struggling with him all night, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26). This tells us of Elisha’s willingness to follow. Jesus would say: “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62).
- Elijah told Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said: “I pray you, let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha, like Solomon, was given a blank cheque to ask for anything. He could have asked for riches, long life or the death of his enemies, but he asked for a double share of Elijah’s spirit. When I pray, what do I ask for? Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9). With God, all things are possible. If you do not seek, you will not find.
- Just as Elisha was given a blank cheque to ask for anything, God also allows us to choose our reward. This is the point Jesus makes in today’s Gospel passage. “Beware of practising your righteousness before men to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, that men may praise them. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:1-2). In other words, the choice is ours if we want to be rewarded by God or receive human applause. Let’s reflect on this and consider our actions and intentions.
- There is nothing wrong with praying, fasting or giving alms, but when we do it to attract attention from others, we get no reward from God. In his conversation with the woman at the well, Jesus said: “The hour is coming, and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24). Do not pretend to be a saint when others watch, only to become a demon when you think no one is watching. Repent from hypocrisy; do not be a people-pleaser. What do you gain if people on earth praise you, yet you still end up in hell?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen my love for you that I may seek to please you. Free me from the desire to impress people. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 11 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Kings 2:1,6-14, Ps. 31:20,21,24, Matthew 6:1-6,16-18).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu