WHEN YOU ASK GOD FOR GIFTS, ASK BIG!
ST ROMUALD, HERMIT AND Abbot.
"When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.
"Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together.
"Fifty of the guild prophets followed and when the two stopped at the Jordan, they stood facing them at a distance.
"Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground.
"When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.”
“You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.”
"As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
"When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.
"Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan.
"Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over." (2 Kings 2: 1, 6 - 14).
Wednesday June 19th in the 11th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Romuald.
St Romuald was born in Ravenna, Italy. A Benedictine monk, he is renowned for his love and expertise in solitary prayer. He traveled all over Italy renewing Benedictine monasteries in the art of monastic prayer. He died in 1027.
The theme of our reflection today is asking big and bold. We draw the inspiration from Elisha’s bold request:
"When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.”
Friends, this is the type of bold request that fills God with joy.
Some years ago, I was in Hanceville for the Feast of the Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday.
The Franciscan priest who officiated in the ceremony explained from the Diary of St Maria Faustina that Jesus is not happy that His children asks for so little when He wants us to ask Him for Big Gifts.
When you ask God for favors, how do you ask? Small gift or do you ask like Elisha? DOUBLE PORTION?
Since the experience on Divine Mercy Sunday, I now ask for double portion. Remember that God owns every thing. He is magnanimous. He is also very rich in mercy.
Ask for mercy.
Be merciful.
Completely trust Jesus for mercy.
The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
No comments:
Post a Comment
23-Psalm1to2