Responding to Change and Summons, 2 Kings 2:1-12; Ps 50:1-6

On Transfiguration Sunday, we are contemplating what it's like to be the one who will assume responsibility for carrying on the necessary task.

Elisha said, "I'm not ready to let you go. Stay here with me."

The way he puts it is to repeat, "I won't abandon you."

The other prophets tried to help Elisha. Elijah tried to help him. Yet, Elisha is still not ready to let Elijah go.

What really is his objection?

Even when he is told that the Lord has ordained this move, Elisha objects. He continues to delay the departure. They travel from Bethel to Jericho to the Jordan. Breuggemann points out that they are moving into the wilderness.

Think about an earlier crossing of the Jordan--Moses couldn't go, but Joshua led the people across.

Elisha is bereaved.

Think about Peter and James and John. In the gospel text this week, they have witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. They soon will face his death. They will be bereaved.
After the ascension, they will continue to lead their people.

Elisha asked for a double share of Elijah's spirit. Elijah reminded him that the Spirit is God's to share. Let us continue to pray for God's spirit to light on us as we face loss and challenge.

How hard is it for a disciple to move on and to let go?

Psalm 50:1-6

God comes to our attention in many ways. Sometimes, God appears in our lives in silence, as happened to Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13). And, sometimes, God appears with great drama, as in Psalm 50:
    Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

    Our God comes and does not keep silence,

    before him is a devouring fire,

    and a mighty tempest all around him.

Sometimes, God comes to comfort us. Sometimes, God comes to call us to action. And, sometimes, God comes to judge.

    He calls to the heavens above

    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

    "Gather to me my faithful ones,

    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"

    The heavens declare his righteousness,

     for God himself is judge.

Think about God as fire and judge as you remember how a chariot of fire and horses separated Elijah and Elisha as Elijah ascended. Think about what Peter and James and John witnessed.

Lectio Divina: Psalm 50:6