Homily for Proper 8 C, June 27, 2010

My sisters and brothers, prayer is the medicine that will get us through the challenges of discipleship.

In our first reading today we heard about Elijah passing on his responsibility to this disciple Elisha. Elisha in his turn proves to be a worthy successor and demonstrates his worth in powerful ways.

Elijah and Elisha start this journey at Gilgal, in the hill country north of Bethel. Three times Elijah invites Elisha to travel no further: he tests Elisha, to determine whether he is truly loyal to his master. Each time, Elisha proves his loyalty, and so the two travel southward from “Gilgal” to “Bethel,” then east to “Jericho” and “the Jordan.” The “company of prophets” that is mentioned is a group of followers (disciples) of Elijah; they are like traveling monks.

Elijah offers Elisha a reward for his loyalty; then Elisha requests that he receive the principal share (“double”) of Elijah’s spirituality. Deuteronomy requires that the eldest son inherit a double portion of his father’s estate. Elijah cannot grant this request himself, for it is God’s to give but should Elisha sees Elijah taken up, God will grant the request. Tearing of clothes was an expression of grief or distress. Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle, the symbol of his role as prophet.

In our Galatians reading Paul gives some important advice. Do not the use spiritual freedom you have in Christ as an opportunity for self-indulgence. Rather, love your neighbor as yourself and live by the Holy Spirit. Do this because the Spirit is opposed to the flesh and the flesh is opposed to the Spirit.

Today’s reading from Luke is basically a short story followed by a collection of sayings. First off, Christians are not to take vengeance on those who reject Christ. This is followed by several sayings about discipleship and its requirements or costs. You may have to give up: home and even family. During the first and second generations of Christianity, persecution was common and many were betrayed to the authorities by family or friends.

On a side note, “Samaritans” did not help pilgrims going to keep feasts in Jerusalem because they believed the true temple to be theirs (on Mount Gerizim).

Prejudices, frustrations and crisis have come to all our lives; some more than others. Keeping our focus on Christ so that we are not distracted or lead astray is of vital importance.

How we respond to these kinds of situations will depend on our spirituality. That is, it will depend on our conscious relationship with God. If our prayer life has built us the foundation it takes to remain cool and responsive we can come off quite well. If not we can be quite reactionary or just passive. Pray daily my brothers and sisters; read and develop you spiritual life. That will give you the strength and grounding it takes to handle these storms if and when they come your way.