Daily Readings - Wed Jun 20 2018
2 Kings
1Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.6Then Elijah said to him, "Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.7Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan.8Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.9When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me."10And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so."11And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.12And Elisha saw it and he cried, "My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw him no more.Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.13And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.14Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.
Matthew
1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.2"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.5"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.16"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true spirituality and the importance of living our faith with sincerity and humility. In the first reading, we witness the dramatic scene of Elijah’s ascent into heaven, leaving behind his mantle for Elisha. This moment marks a profound transfer of spiritual authority, as Elijah, the great prophet, hands over his mission to his disciple. Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit reveals his deep desire to continue the work of God with even greater zeal. The Jordan River, a symbol of life, renewal, and crossing into the promised land, serves as the backdrop for this miraculous event. Elisha’s persistence and faith are rewarded as he picks up the mantle and, in a moment of divine grace, is able to perform a miracle, just as Elijah did.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of living our faith inwardly, rather than seeking external recognition. He warns against performing acts of piety—such as giving alms, praying, or fasting—in order to be seen by others. True spirituality, Jesus tells us, is about sincerity and humility. When we give, pray, or fast, it should be for God alone, not for the approval of others. This teaching challenges us to examine our motivations and to ensure that our actions are rooted in a genuine relationship with God, rather than a desire for human praise.
Both readings remind us that true faith is not about outward appearances but about the inner disposition of our hearts. Elisha’s humility and willingness to follow Elijah’s path, even in the face of uncertainty, teach us about the importance of trust and perseverance in our spiritual journey. Similarly, Jesus’ words call us to live our faith authentically, without pretense or self-seeking. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to cultivate a deeper interior life, seeking to please God rather than others. May we, like Elisha, embrace the mantle of our calling with humility and faith, and may we, like Jesus, live our lives in sincerity and love.