Seeing My Spirit . . . Elijah Tells Us Something for Our Own Spirituality

Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM

Seeing My Spirit . . . Elijah Tells Us Something for Our Own Spirituality

In today’s first reading (not included in this audio), we hear about Elisha and Elijah.

Elijah is taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. Before that, the two are walking and are followed by 50 guild prophets. The Homily goes on to talk about the types of prophets. There are more than one kind of prophet.

The Homily goes on and talks about the guild prophets that were following Elijah and Elisha. Guild prophets were largely prophets that supported themselves . . . a sort of profession . . . by prophesying. This profession exists today.

There were many prophets in the past, but few are true. Elijah and Elisha are true prophets, raised up by the Holy Spirit. In the reading Elijah knows that his time of ministry is coming to an end.

Elijah Taken Up in a Chariot of Fire: Venetian Painter: Giuseppe Angeli: c. 1740/1755

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A Double Portion of Your Spirit

Elijah and Elisha are walking with all the followers. They come to a river. Elijah takes his mantel and slaps the river with it. Just like in the past, the Jordan River changed its movement. The river splits so that Elijah and his disciple can walk on dry land . . . through what was previously the river. The guild prophets cannot follow. The guild prophets do not get to hear or see what comes next.

On the other side of the river, the two prophets continue walking and speaking to each other. Elijah ultimately says . . . what do you want me to do for you? Elijah says this as he knows his time is coming to an end. What gift can I give you, asks Elijah. Elisha asks for a double share of Elijah’s spirit. Hear more what that means.

Elijah says that is not an easy gift. He responds, if you see me taken up to heaven, your request is granted. The Homily explains this marvelous answer further.

Listen to the significance of this story and what it really means for our own spirituality. Listen to what Elijah is Telling Us for Our Own Spirituality. Hear more in this Meditation Media.