Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading
Sirach 48:1-14
Elijah was enveloped in a whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with the twofold portion of his spirit.
Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah
whose words were as a flaming furnace.
Their staff of bread he shattered,
in his zeal he reduced them to straits;
By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens
and three times brought down fire.
How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
Whose glory is equal to yours?
You brought a dead man back to life
from the nether world, by the will of the LORD.
You sent kings down to destruction,
and easily broke their power into pieces.
You brought down nobles, from their beds of sickness.
You heard threats at Sinai,
at Horeb avenging judgments.
You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance,
and a prophet as your successor.
You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire,
in a chariot with fiery horses.
You were destined, it is written, in time to come
to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD,
To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,
and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob.
Blessed is he who shall have seen you
And who falls asleep in your friendship.
For we live only in our life,
but after death our name will not be such.
O Elijah, enveloped in the whirlwind!
Then Elisha, filled with the twofold portion of his spirit,
wrought many marvels by his mere word.
During his lifetime he feared no one,
nor was any man able to intimidate his will.
Nothing was beyond his power;
beneath him flesh was brought back into life.
In life he performed wonders,
and after death, marvelous deeds.
Commentary
Sirach 48:1-14 highlights the powerful ministries of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, showcasing their faithfulness and miraculous deeds.
Elijah’s Miracles: Elijah, a prophet like fire, performed miracles like stopping the rain and calling down fire from heaven, guiding Israel back to God.
Elijah’s Ascension: Elijah’s ascension to heaven in a whirlwind signifies his exceptional status and the expectation of his return before the day of the Lord.
Elisha’s Double Portion: Elisha, with a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, continued his mentor's mission, performing miracles such as multiplying oil and raising the dead.
Elisha’s Acts: Elisha’s acts, like parting the Jordan River and purifying poisoned water, demonstrate God’s ongoing care for His people through His prophets.
Elisha’s Legacy: Even after death, Elisha’s bones performed miracles, showing the enduring nature of God’s power and legacy through His servants.
Sirach 48:1-14 inspires us to trust in God’s power and remain faithful, reminding us that God’s work continues through His chosen servants and beyond.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes round about.
His lightnings illumine the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
All who worship graven things are put to shame,
who glory in the things of nought;
all gods are prostrate before him.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
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Gospel Acclamation
Romans 8:15bc
Alleluia, alleluia.
You have received a spirit of adoption as sons
through which we cry: Abba! Father!
Alleluia, alleluia.
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Gospel
Matthew 6:7-15
This is how you are to pray.
Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.’
“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Commentary
Matthew 6:7-15 is where Jesus teaches about the proper way to pray, emphasizing sincerity and introducing the Lord’s Prayer.
Simplicity in Prayer: Avoid long, empty phrases. Prayer should be sincere and heartfelt.
God’s Knowledge: God knows our needs before we ask. Prayer is about relationship, not information.
The Lord’s Prayer: Jesus gives a model prayer, starting with “Our Father,” indicating a personal relationship with God.
Key Elements: The prayer includes adoration, submission to God’s will, requests for daily needs, and petitions for forgiveness and protection.
Forgiveness: Forgiving others is essential; our forgiveness from God is linked to our willingness to forgive.
Matthew 6:7-15 teaches that prayer should be sincere and simple, centered on a relationship with God. The Lord’s Prayer provides a balanced approach to prayer, and the importance of forgiveness is emphasized. In daily life, approach prayer authentically and be ready to forgive.
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