2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a, Rom 6:3-4, 8-11, Mt 10:37-42
When I read passages related to Elisha and/or Elijah, they read to me a bit like adventure tales from 80s TV shows. I am often reminded of itinerant outcasts with human super powers like the heroes of Incredible Hulk, Kung Fu and Dr Who. These heroes travel about, seeking justice for those they come in contact with who are not ‘living their best lives.’ There were other shows, and although the heroes didn’t wander the globe as marginalized people with secrets and superpowers, they use their powers to help strangers in need. I’m talking about Charlie’s Angels, Greatest American Hero, A Team, Early Edition, and the like.
The formulas of these shows tended to be, to the best of my recollection, that they would observe the problem (which would become clear by the first set of ads). They would provide some sort of fix, thinking they had done something helpful, (by the second set of ads). After that, consequences would surface that would make it obvious that the problem was deeper and more nuanced than imagined. They would learn more, develop a plan and then tackle the issue yet again with said plan. Issues were not always resolved, but in the end, we are usually left with the sense that the situation had improved, and its now up to the person helped to do the rest.
Elisha and Elijah, both prophets with human superpowers, did travel about and try to make things better for the people they encountered. Sometimes they would learn of about the consequences of their help, sometimes not. The gospel reading also explores the ‘nexts’ the hidden or unforeseen consequences of actions and deeds. The Lord is telling His disciples that the ‘wee bits’ have consequences— who your friends are, who you worship and adore, who you listen to, who you help— the Lord notices it all and it will come back to you.
Call it… karma, say that God don’t like ugly, or that people get their just desserts…
The idea that what we say and do has consequences even if we don’t know what those are is a common secular and faith-based belief. This is a helpful notion to encourage people to make choices which improve the lives of others. And I’m sure many of us feel that we don’t need a reward to do the ‘right thing.’ Still, it’s good to be reminded that it all matters.
But I wonder if our own lives are a bit more like that of the 80s shows I mentioned above. We are in the middle, having done a bit to help with the human superpowers that the Lord has given to us. We do our bit, cross the tasks off the to-do list and move on. But maybe we are not actually done after that first or second commercial break. Show still has another 45 minutes!
We think we are done because we do not observe or see the consequences. We could if we paid attention, but we don’t because we assume we won’t. Many spiritual directors encourage people to keep a journal and periodically review it. I did this for a time and realized many more prayers were concretely answered with observable consequences than I ever imagined.
If we were to do the same thing, for a small stretch of time— track the kind words or actions I’ve taken for others— what consequences might we observe? Like Elisha, might we develop insights and relationships which could impact many beyond those involved directly in the moment.
Reflection Questions
- For 3 days in a row, write a list of actions you’ve taken (for better or worse) that may have impacted others. Put the list a way for a few days.
- Return to the list and write down any observations or details about the relationship or potential consequences from your actions. Some of this may be conjecture on your end, but that’s expected.
- Were you able to notice any of the consequences of your actions? Are you surprised by any of the results?
Writing to Pray 