Monday, Third Week of Advent
Theme: Elijah the Prophet
Symbol: Chariot of Fire
Prayer of Ven. Bruno Lanteri
Almighty and Eternal God, I (name), although most unworthy, but encouraged by your compassion and infinite mercy, and by the desire of serving you, offer before the Most Holy Virgin Mary and all the Court of Heaven, to your Divine Majesty, this day, and all my thoughts, words and actions in it. I humbly beg of your infinite goodness and mercy, by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that you choose to accept this offering in the odor of sweetness, and that as you have given me the grace to desire and to make this offering, so also you grant me the grace to fulfill it. Amen.
O Virgin immaculately conceived, put into my heart those things of your Son most pleasing to him. Amen.
Scripture: 2 Kings 2:9-11
When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” He replied, “You have asked something that is not easy. Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on still conversing, a fiery chariot and fiery horses came between the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Reflection: Elijah was the greatest of the prophets who defended the honor of the Lord on Mt. Carmel. It is in his spirit that the precursor of the Lord was to come. And Elisha dared to ask for a double portion of his spirit. Elisha’s request was very bold. Do you ask bold things of God? Do you have the confidence to ask big things of God? The Lord is generous and wants a heart big enough to ask for things in accord with his desire to grant them.