GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 15TH JUNE 2016
WEDNESDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1ST READING: 2Kings 2:1, 6-14
PSALM: Psalm 31:20-21,24
GOSPEL: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
THEME: STEPPING INTO BIG SHOES
To step into somebody’s shoes means to take over a job or some role from someone. When the one from whom you are taking over is a failure, some efforts on your part will soon make you stand out as a success. However, when your predecessor has made a big positive impact, you need nothing less than a “double portion” of his/her spirit lest you turn out to be a failure. This is where one steps into “big shoes”.
In our First Reading, we have an account of how Elisha succeeded Elijah. The latter had distinguished himself not just as a prophet but a prophet with a difference. He had left a huge mark on the consciences of the people of Israel, leading them from faithlessness back to faith in the Lord.
In ancient Israel, a firstborn son would normally inherit a double portion of his father’s property on account of the rights and responsibility placed on his shoulders (cf. Deut 21:17). Elisha, taking cognisance of the responsibility placed on his shoulders as a principal disciple of Elijah among the band of prophets, asked for an extraordinary grace. He tells Elijah, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit” (2Kings 2:10).
Leadership is not about marking time, i.e. to march in one place without moving forward. An effective leader is the one who leads a group of people to move from one level to a higher level. Mediocrity is a bane. It is not enough to manage what Elijah has done but, like Elisha, to continue the good work of Elijah and add value to it.
Let us pray for all those who have stepped into big shoes or are preparing to do so that the Lord may grant them a double portion of the grace needed for that office. May the Lord fill them with divine wisdom so that they would effectively carry out the tasks entrusted to them.
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)