The Vatican panel represents the encounter between the Baptist and the angel Uriel on the Mount of Penitence in Jordan (suggested by the gushing water on the right) and his immediate early vocation at the age of seven. On the left, Saint John as a child is accompanied by an angel. The latter is pointing to the succeeding episode, pictured on a higher plane, in which the saint is seen praying on a mountain.

The Word Among Us

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Meditation
2 Kings 2:1,6-14

The story of Elijah and Elisha may sound very familiar: Before he is taken up to heaven, Elijah promises to give Elisha his spirit. As a flaming chariot comes to take him away, Elijah passes his mantle on to Elisha, who then goes on to do Elijah’s work. Familiar, yes, but there’s another angle to this story beyond the “historical” one. Think about Jesus ascending to heaven. Like Elijah, he left disciples to carry on his work. And like Elijah, he left a “mantle” for his followers: his Holy Spirit!

So what is a mantle, and what does it do? A mantle is a long-sleeved coat worn over an outer garment. It protects travelers in the desert from the heat of the sun and the chill of the night wind, and also from the sand that can blow in their eyes and blind them. It’s an indispensable item for anyone in that environment, and it allows them to go places they could not go otherwise.

So to continue the analogy, we can see that Jesus gives us his mantle, the Spirit, to protect us, to lead us, and to help us do things we could never do by ourselves. With his power, there is nothing we can’t accomplish! Can there be anything more exciting than knowing that we have been anointed to be Jesus’ hands and feet in this world? He has promised us that “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these” (John 14:12).

Before Elijah went to heaven he told Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you” (2 Kings 2:9). Jesus makes the same offer to us: “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). What are your needs right now? Do you know someone who is sick? Have you been praying for someone’s conversion? You already have the tools you need to help them. The Holy Spirit is within you: Take a step of faith, and humbly ask him to work in these situations. Put your trust in him, and you will see miracles happen!

“Lord, thank you for the awesome gift of your Holy Spirit. May I never take him for granted but rely on his mighty power in every circumstance.”

Psalm 31:20-21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

One Bread, One Body

<< Wednesday, June 18, 2008 >>

Saint of the Day

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
View Readings

Psalm 31

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

STAYING POWER

"You have asked for something that is not easy." —2 Kings 2:10

Elijah was about to be taken up to God. Elisha, his successor, asked Elijah: "May I receive a double portion of your spirit?" (2 Kgs 2:9). Elijah told him that he had "asked for something that is not easy" (2 Kgs 2:10). However, Elisha did receive what he asked for, because he persevered and stayed with Elijah, no matter what. Mary Magdalene stayed with Jesus, whether she had to be at the foot of the cross, or at His tomb (Jn 19:25; 20:1ff). Both Elisha and Mary received power because they stayed.

Often in the beginning of a new ministry or spiritual venture, there is a period of freshness, a "spiritual honeymoon." Like St. Peter, we want to stay in the "honeymoon" graces of the mountaintop (Mk 9:5). Yet Jesus moves elsewhere (Mk 1:38). As His disciples, we follow in His footsteps. For us, there can be no joy apart from Jesus (Jn 15:5). If Jesus moves on, we stay by His side. Wherever He leads, we "will not leave" Him (2 Kgs 2:6).

Staying with Jesus seems easy on the spiritual honeymoon. Eventually, however, Jesus goes to places we'd just as soon not go. As He leads us to the cross, we're tempted to stay put rather than stay with Him. But if we don't stay with Jesus, the power of the Spirit doesn't stay with us.

Staying with Him is "something that is not easy." Jesus, the Suffering Servant, looks at us and asks, "Can you stay with Me, no matter what?" (see Mk 14:37) Where is Jesus leading you now? Will you stay with Him?

Prayer: Jesus, "I will not leave You" (2 Kgs 2:6).

Promise: "Keep your deeds of mercy secret, and your Father Who sees in secret will repay you." —Mt 6:4

Praise: James stayed with his wife and his marriage vows even when it seemed most difficult.

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 30 (31)
Trustful prayer in time of adversity
O God, protect me; be my refuge.
In you, Lord, I put my trust: may I never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, Turn your ear to me, make haste to rescue me. Be my rampart, my fortification; keep me safe. For you are my strength and my refuge: you will lead me out to the pastures, for your own name’s sake. You will lead me out of the trap that they laid for me – for you are my strength. Into your hands I commend my spirit: you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O God, protect me; be my refuge.

Psalm 129 (130)
Out of the depths
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord.
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears listen out for the voice of my pleading. If you took notice of our transgressions, Lord – Lord, who would be left? But with you is forgiveness, and for this we revere you. I rely on you, Lord, my spirit relies on your promise; my soul hopes in the Lord, more than the watchman for daybreak. More than the watchman for daybreak, let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is kindness and abundant redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all its transgressions. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord.

Reading	Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry if you must, but do not sin: do not let your anger outlast the sunset: do not give the Devil his chance.

Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Prayer
Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, you lay a gentle yoke upon those who follow you. Meek and humble, you give them a light burden to carry. Receive the work and the prayers we have offered to you today; and give us rest, to make us more eager to serve you, who live and reign for ever and ever, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.