+ In our first reading today we see Elisha getting what he asked for: a twofold portion his Elijah’s spirit; Elijah
who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind of fire. Elijah was indeed a great
prophet, demonstrating the power and activity of God in the lives of the
people: to once and for all times get their full attention and devotion. But it
seems that after him, Elisha showed even more power in his fearlessness among
people, and in his ability to bring all kinds of healings and restorations as
did Elijah, who foretold the coming of Jesus, the Divine Physician. God still works
his wonders among his chosen ones for God’s glory and their well-being.
In the gospel passage Jesus
teaches his disciples an astounding way to communicate with God his Father. He
tells them they can call him Father
too, for his wants to be intimately involved in their lives, to cause fullness
of health and life in them all their days. The prayer is as much about us as it
is God. If God lives in heaven, it is
so that one day we can live there too. If his
name is holy, it is to draw us into his holiness when we speak it. If his kingdom is to come, it will come in us,
in our cooperation with him in building it. If his will is to be done on earth, then it will be as we give him
permission to use us as he wills each day.
Giving
us daily bread is all about Eucharist first, off, then all
other material needs that we have, not wants but needs. But forgiveness of others is absolutely
essential to make the whole thing work. We will NOT be forgiven our sins unless we forgive other theirs who sin
against us. We must ask to be safe
from temptation and evil. We will be tried, but evil will not prevail so
long as we believe in our heart of hearts that God is our loving Father and he
will never fail us! It is so! It is true! Thanks be to God!
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