Secret Prayers

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14; PS 31:20, 21, 24; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Notes: The dialog between Elijah and Elisha is a mystery. Not a mystery of words but a mystery of prayer.

Oh how the City of God comes about by prayer, one for another!

BTW: We begin our Novena prayer preceding the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/06/15/novena-sacred-heart/

First reading
And so the two went on together.
When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha,
“Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.”
Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.”
“You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied.
“Still, if you see me taken up from you,
your wish will be granted; otherwise not.”

Responsorial Psalm
Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.

How great is the goodness, O LORD,
which you have in store for those who fear you,
And which, toward those who take refuge in you,
you show in the sight of the children of men.

Alleluia Verse
Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him
and we will come to him.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.

And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.

During Lent we encounter this gospel portion regarding the practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

During the time leading up to the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and the Sacred Heart of Jesus we shift our focus.

May even the secret prayers of our heart be as like Elijah for Elisha.
Making the needs of the Other our very own needs.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry