13th Sunday C
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The lives ofth two prophets, Elijah and Elisha
make interesting reading because they performed many good deeds
through their miraculous powers.
When Elijah’s life came to an end he did not die
in the normal manner but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Before he left God told him that he had appointed Elisha
to be his successor. So Elijah went and called Elisha
who was ploughing. Elisha answer to the call was:
"first let me say good-bye to my father
and I then I will come with you".
Elijah made a surprisingly harsh reply to the effect:
"do what you like, what have I got to do with you?"
I think he said that as the first step in training him
to the role of a prophet because he knew from long experience
that a prophet’s life was harsh and lonely.
Jesus himself said to his would be followers
that they could not count on a home
to go to,
that they may get called away even from their parents’ funeral,
and there was no going back to the old life
once they have started following him.
Elisha demonstrated his wholehearted commitment to his calling
when he slaughtered the oxen aftd burned the plough
before following the great prophet.
The Rule of Saint Benedict also called for a harsh treatment of an applicant.
I quote: "when any one newly come to be a monk, let him not be granted and easy admittance; but as the apostle says: test the spirits, to see whether they come
from God. If such a one, therefore, persevere in knocking,
and if it be seen after 4 or 5 days that he bears patiently his harsh treatment and the difficulty of admission
and persists in his petition, then let admittance be granted to him, and let him stay in the guest house for a few days."
That’s how it as once, many years ago. Today vocations are
so few that admittance to religious life is much easier.
So much about harsh treatment, but why do people put up with it?
I think because there are great compensations.
When God calls somebody to special ministry
he doesn’t just ask for sacrifices without giving anything in return.
No, he gives himselfto that person;
making his presence felt in whichever way it is most needed,
TRUTH, FORGIVENESS, COURAGE, COMPASSION, LOVE.
Being certain - even if only for a short time -
of the existence of God, his love for us
and his acceptance of us as we are
is worth all the temporary hardships of life.
When we have a glimpse of God we see eternity as well
And all temporary troubles are as nothing in the light of
eternal peace.
We are all called to discipleship in everything we do.
We must seek God’s meaning in all the hardships that befall us
and if we cannot find it we should still try to accept it
as something good in disguise.
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