Wednesday – 11th Week in Ordinary Time – A

For the last couple of days, we've been examining the episode of Ahab's stealing of the vineyard of Naboth through the vindictiveness and evil conspiracy of Jezebel, Ahab's wife. And we saw how God sent the prophet Elijah to warn Ahab and to remind him that not a single thing happens on earth without God seeing it and knowing it. And Ahab, ashamed of what he had done, puts on sackcloth and begins to do penance, so that God was moved to pity and compassion.

In today's readings, we hear about the culmination of the ministry of the prophet Elijah, who was taken up into heaven with a chariot of fire. And Elisha, his protégé, his successor, is with him. And fifty other prophets were with them as well.

Elijah and Elisha seek God, not human recognition. And they practice this religion, this relationship with God, not to be seen by men, but in an authentic and very deep and sublime way. Elijah and Elisha crossed the River Jordan while the fifty other prophets remained still and watched them from a distance on the other side of the river.

Notice that Elijah's greatest moment, being taken up into heaven, happens almost entirely away from this crowd. Fifty prophets are present, but they remain, and I quote: “Fifty of the guild prophets followed, and when the two stopped at the Jordan, they stood facing them at a distance” (2 Kings 2:7). And likewise, in today's Gospel, Jesus says: “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret” (Matthew 6:6).

My dear brothers and sisters, the greatest works of God often happen away from public applause. The workings of God in our heart often happen when we're on our own, spending time with Him. I remember my own calling to the priesthood happened when I was alone in my room praying the Rosary. It was just me and God, who in His mercy made Himself present to me in my heart, my mind, and my soul, hidden away from the crowds. God made that initial invitation to me to take the leap of faith and to minister and give my life to His people.

Elisha, we see, desires God's Spirit, not earthly honours. When Elijah asks Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you,” Elisha does not ask for power, prestige, position, or wealth. He asks: “May I receive a double portion of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9).

Now, this is so in keeping with Jesus' warning that our righteous deeds are not performed in order that they may be seen by others. In other words, the hypocrites seek human praise. Elisha sought the Spirit of God. And we can ask ourselves: what do we really want from God? Recognition, success, influence, or a greater share in His Spirit?

The spiritual life is not primarily about duties, but about sonship. We are sons and daughters of God. Almighty God, who created all things, has loved being our Father because He is love and He loves us more than we can ever imagine.