These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two. (2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061522.cfm
With the Prophet Elijah being carried away to heaven in a flaming chariot, the torch is passed to Elisha who becomes prophet carrying the mantle of Elijah.
(Against Jezebel, too, the LORD declared,
“The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.”) (1 Kgs 21:17-29)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061422.cfm
In the South it’s very common to use Bible names for places and especially for our children, but the one name that is almost NEVER used is Jezebel.
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” (Mt 5:38-42)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061322.cfm
An “eye for an eye” was an improvement on blood vengeance, but the Lord asks more of us. Saint Anthony was devoted to the Word of God and struggled with the Scriptures just like the rest of us.
Alleluia (Rev 1:8)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;
to God who is, who was, and who is to come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061222.cfm
The feast of the Holy Trinity reminds us who we are: children of the Father, sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:21b-28; 13:1-3)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061122.cfm
Barnabas seeking out Saul becomes one of the most important moments in the life of the early church. Saul, of course, becomes Paul, the preacher to the Gentiles. And “it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians” . . . or as the Cotton Patch version of the New Testament says: And it was here in Mobile that the disciples were first labeled “Christians.” And today’s picture is of my hometown Mobile, Alabama, at sunset.
