Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
Liturgical Colour: Green | Year A(II)
First Reading
2 Kings 2:1,6-14
Elijah is taken up to heaven
This is what happened when the Lord took Elijah up to heaven in the whirlwind.
Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal.
Elijah said:
"Elisha, please stay here, the Lord is only sending me to the Jordan."
But Elisha replied:
"As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you."
And they went on together.
Fifty of the brotherhood of prophets followed them, halting some distance away as the two of them stood beside the Jordan.
Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water.
The water divided to left and right, and the two of them crossed over dry-shod.
When they had crossed, Elijah said:
"Make your request. What can I do for you before I am taken from you?"
Elisha answered:
"Let me inherit a double share of your spirit."
Elijah replied:
"Your request is a difficult one. If you see me while I am being taken from you, it shall be as you ask."
As they walked on, talking together, a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, coming between the two of them.
Elijah went up to heaven in the whirlwind.
Elisha saw it and cried out:
"My father! My father! Chariot of Israel and its chargers!"
Then he lost sight of him.
He picked up the cloak of Elijah which had fallen and returned to the Jordan.
Taking the cloak, he struck the water and cried:
"Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?"
The water divided to right and left, and Elisha crossed over.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 30(31):20,21,24
Response:
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
How great is the goodness, Lord,
that you keep for those who fear you,
that you show to those who trust you
in the sight of men.
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence
from the plotting of men;
you keep them safe within your tent
from disputing tongues.
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Love the Lord, all you saints.
He guards his faithful
but the Lord will repay to the full
those who act with pride.
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
All who love me will keep my words,
and my Father will love them
and we will come to them.
Alleluia!
Gospel
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven."
"When you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you as the hypocrites do."
"When you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing."
"Your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you."
"When you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites."
"When you pray, go to your private room and pray to your Father who is in that secret place."
"Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you."
"When you fast, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do."
"When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face."
"Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you."
Reflection
Today's readings focus our attention on something the world often overlooks: the hidden life of faith.
Elijah is one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history. His ministry was public, courageous, and dramatic. Yet when his earthly mission comes to an end, the focus shifts to Elisha.
Elisha's request is revealing.
He does not ask for status.
He does not ask for recognition.
He does not ask for influence.
Instead, he asks:
"Let me inherit a double share of your spirit."
Elisha desires God's power so that he may continue God's work.
This is the mark of true discipleship.
The mission is never about the individual. It is always about the Lord.
The Gospel develops this theme even further.
Jesus warns against practising religion for the sake of appearances.
Prayer can become performance.
Fasting can become self-promotion.
Charity can become a search for admiration.
When this happens, the focus shifts away from God and onto ourselves.
Three times in today's Gospel Jesus repeats the same truth:
"Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you."
The hidden life matters.
The prayer no one hears.
The sacrifice no one notices.
The act of generosity known only to God.
These are precious in His sight.
The Catechism teaches that authentic prayer is fundamentally a relationship with God, not a public display (CCC 2558-2565). Likewise, acts of charity find their deepest meaning when motivated by love rather than recognition.
Elijah leaves behind a cloak.
Jesus leaves behind a teaching.
Both point to the same reality.
What matters most is not how visible we are but how faithful we are.
Many of the greatest saints changed the world through lives that appeared ordinary.
They prayed.
They served.
They loved.
They remained faithful when nobody was watching.
The Father saw.
And that was enough.
One Line to Carry Today
God values faithfulness of heart more than visibility before others.
Catechism References
CCC 2558-2565 – Prayer as a relationship with God.
CCC 1434 – Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as expressions of conversion.
CCC 2003 – Spiritual gifts are given for service.
CCC 2562-2564 – God looks upon the heart.
CCC 2710-2711 – Interior prayer and recollection.
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