11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter: Week 3 / (Green)
Ps 31:20, 21, 24
Let your hearts take comfort,
all who hope in the Lord.
1st Reading: 2 K 2:1, 6-14*
(…) When Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan Elijah took his mantle, rolled it, and struck the water with it. The water parted to both sides and they crossed over on dry ground.
After they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “What shall I do for you before I am taken away from you? Ask me.” Elisha said, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” Elijah answered, “Your request is most difficult. Yet if you see me while I am being taken from you, then you shall have it. But if not, you shall not have it.”
As they were talking on the way, a chariot of fire with horses of fire stood between them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw him (…)
When Elisha lost sight of him, he took hold of his own clothes and tore them. (…) He took the cloak that had fallen off Elijah, hit the water with it, and asked, “Where is the Yahweh, the God of Elijah?” When he hit the water again, it divided and Elisha crossed over.
Gospel: Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Be careful not to make a show of your good deeds before people. If you do so, you do not gain anything from your Father in heaven. When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be noticed in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by people. I assure you, they have their reward.
If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.
When you pray, do not be like those who want to be noticed. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners, in order to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have their reward. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you.
When you fast, do not put on a miserable face, as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy face, so that people can see they are fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already. When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for appearances or for people, but for your Father, who sees beyond appearances. And your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.
Reflections
Yahweh took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind
According to the Book of Kings Elijah did not die but was taken up by a chariot into heaven. A branch of Judaism believes that Elijah will return to signal the end of days. No wonder as Jesus cries out for the Father on the cross, bystanders wait for Elijah to rescue him and usher the End Times. However, Elijah does not come.
God did not allow Elijah to die because of his fidelity to his mission and to the Lord. This is what Jesus’ resurrection signifies. Those who are faithful to the Lord till the end will live forever.
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
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