Pick up the Mantle

There is contrast in the images brought to mind by the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. The 2nd Book of Kings relates the transfer of the role of prophet from Elijah to Elisha. The presence of God in power and majesty accompanies this transfer as a fiery chariot of “Israel and its horsemen” ascends in a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha “picked up the mantle of Elijah “and is gifted to continue the mission of his mentor. Matthew continues to relate Jesus exhortations to live as children of God by practicing the 3 disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving without drawing attention to the action. The spiritual experiences in prayer, fasting and almsgiving prepare the disciple to “pick up the mantle of Jesus”.