Daily Readings - Wed Jun 15 2022
2 Kings
1Now it happened that, when the Lord willed to lift up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were going out of Gilgal6Then Elijah said to him: "Remain here. For the Lord has sent me as far as the Jordan." And he said, "As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not forsake you." And so, the two of them continued on together7And fifty men from the sons of the prophets followed them, and they stood opposite them, at a distance. But the two of them were standing above the Jordan8And Elijah took his cloak, and he rolled it up, and he struck the waters, which were divided into two parts. And they both went across on dry ground9And when they had gone across, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what you wish that I may do for you, before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "I beg you, that twice your spirit may be accomplished in me.10And he responded: "You have requested a difficult thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, you will have what you requested. But if you do not see, it shall not be.11And as they continued on, they were conversing while walking. And behold, a fiery chariot with fiery horses divided the two. And Elijah ascended by a whirlwind into heaven12Then Elisha saw it, and he cried out: "My father, my father! The chariot of Israel with its driver!" And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own garments, and he tore them into two parts13And he picked up the cloak of Elijah, which had fallen from him. And turning back, he stood above the bank of the Jordan14And he struck the waters with the cloak of Elijah, which had fallen from him, and they were not divided. And he said, "Where is the God of Elijah, even now?" And he struck the waters, and they were divided here and there. And Elisha went across
Matthew
1"Pay attention, lest you perform your justice before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you shall not have a reward with your Father, who is in heaven2Therefore, when you give alms, do not choose to sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the towns, so that they may be honored by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing4so that your almsgiving may be in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you5And when you pray, you should not be like the hypocrites, who love standing in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets to pray, so that they may be seen by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward6But you, when you pray, enter into your room, and having shut the door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you16And when you fast, do not choose to become gloomy, like the hypocrites. For they alter their faces, so that their fasting may be apparent to men. Amen I say to you, that they have received their reward17But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face18so that your fasting will not be apparent to men, but to your Father, who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will repay you
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true faith, humility, and the relationship between the visible and the invisible. In the first reading, we witness the dramatic scene of Elijah’s ascent into heaven, leaving behind Elisha, who boldly asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This moment is not just a display of divine power but also a lesson in trust and succession. Elisha’s persistence and faith are rewarded as he takes up Elijah’s mantle, symbolizing the passing on of prophetic authority. The Jordan River, often a symbol of transition and new beginnings, serves as the backdrop for this profound moment of handing over the spiritual legacy.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of living our faith with sincerity and humility. He warns against performing religious acts for the sake of appearances, emphasizing that true righteousness is not about external recognition but about an authentic relationship with God. Whether it is giving alms, praying, or fasting, Jesus calls us to do these acts in secret, not for the approval of others, but because they are expressions of our love and devotion to God. This teaching challenges us to examine our motives and to ensure that our spiritual practices are rooted in genuine faith rather than a desire for human praise.
Both readings remind us that true faith is not about show but about substance. Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit teaches us to seek spiritual growth and to trust in God’s plan, even when the future seems uncertain. Jesus’ teaching on humility invites us to strip away pretense and to focus on the inner transformation that comes from a deep connection with God. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to live with authenticity, trusting that God sees what is hidden and will reward it in His time. May we, like Elisha, embrace the mantle of faith and, like Jesus, live with humility, knowing that true greatness lies in the eyes of God.