Homily Eleventh Wednesday of Ordinary Time (2Kings 2:1, 6-14) “Our Chariot Awaits”

Homily Eleventh Wednesday of Ordinary Time (2Kings 2:1, 6-14) “Our Chariot Awaits”

There are two figures in the Old Testament who were thought to be individuals who never died.  There was Enoch who is mentioned in the Book of Genesis chapter 5.  His name is part of a genealogy of the patriarchs of the Old Testament.  The text simply says that Enoch lived 365 years.  Then “Enoch walked with God and was no longer here.”

Elijah was the other figure that was said not to die in the Old Testament.  As we read in 2Kings, when his ministry was ended and his successor (Elisha) was installed, Elijah left the earth.  A fiery chariot came down from heaven and he rode off to be with God.  Quite the exit! 

We read often in the Gospels how the Jews expected that Elijah would return some day since he did not die.  It was as if a superhero was being expected.  Whenever the nation of Israel was in trouble, it was thought that Elijah would come to usher in a new age.

At the time Jesus lived there was a strong expectation that the Messiah would come to save the day.  He would be a great leader.  Many individuals were thought to be the Messiah or claimed to be.  John the Baptist was one of the Messianic figures.  Jesus, of course, is the person Christians identify as the Messiah or the new Elijah. 

Jesus certainly was a prophetic figure who walked in the footsteps of the Elijah. He tried to always follow where the Spirit led so he could accomplish God’s plan for him in his life.  He did usher in a new age as he established the New Covenant and we believe that Jesus, like Elijah, did not taste death.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I believe that God has a plan for me in my life?  Do I try to pray over my life and discern what that plan is?

2. Someday I will gain eternal life.  Maybe I will not ride in a fiery chariot to heaven, but I will live with God forever. How do I feel about that promise of Jesus?

Dear Parishioners,

Our website is now set up to take reservations for the 4 p.m. Mass, the 7 a.m. and the 11 a.m. Mass for this weekend.  If you wish to attend, please sign up.  The 9 a.m. Mass will be outside, weather permitting.  If it is raining, we will have a livestream Mass in the Lee Center and then distribute communion in the parking lot.  Let’s pray for another beautiful morning.

Some of the protocols for attending Mass are on the registration form.  We have others listed on our Facebook Page.  Please keep in mind that these protocols are in place so that we may all pray together safely.

May Our Lady and the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

Fr. Mark