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From: 1 Kings 19:19-21
The call of Elisha
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Commentary:
19-21. Elishas response to Elijahs call is quite exemplary: he leaves everything behind and puts himself at the disposal of the prophet. That will be how the apostles respond to Christ (cf. Mt 4:20, 22; etc.), and it should be how anyone responds when the Lord calls him or her to a mission which involves leaving everything. But the call issued by Jesus is more pressing than Elijahs, as can be seen from the Gospel passage where Jesus, in response to someone who says, I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home, replies, No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Lk 9:61-62). Obedience to a call involves a radical self-surrender: Detach yourself from people and things until you are stripped of them. For, says Pope St. Gregory, the devil has nothing of his own in this world, and naked he comes to battle. If you go clothed to fight him, you will soon be pulled to the ground: for he will have something to catch you by (St. J. Escriva, The Way, 149).
The name Elisha means My God saves and it epitomizes this prophet, just as the name Elijah catches the essence of that prophets message: My God is the Lord.