Weekly Bible Study ▪ 2 Kings 4:42-44

26 July 2015
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

There are many parallels between today’s rather unfamiliar first reading and the well-known gospel story. We may find ourselves asking, who is this prophet Elisha and why is he important?

St. John Bible,* "Elisha and the Six Miracles"

As one who “assumed the mantle of the Prophet Elijah,” Elisha carried on the daunting task of his mentor: to stand up to kings who encouraged idol worship and tolerated social injustice. The “Elisha Cycle” in the Books of Kings include several stories of miraculous events at the hands of this man of God. Today’s miracle is an account of the multiplication of loaves.

Devout Israelites often shared their “first fruits” with the prophets in their midst. The man offering the bread intended for Elisha is more than a little skeptical when the prophet suggests it can be “set before a hundred people.” Perhaps he is even disappointed that his offering will be given away.

During the time of Elisha, a prophet proved his worth by performing wondrous acts. What is significant about the deeds of Elisha is not the wonder-working ability of the prophet. Rather, his action is a testimony to the power of God’s word speaking and acting through him. Elisha, whose name means “God is Salvation,” is God’s instrument. Firm in his faith, Elisha is certain that God will feed his hungry people. As in the Gospel story, the bread that God provides is not merely enough to assuage the people’s hunger, it is abundant. This bread of life is given from God’s generosity.

With firmness of faith, we too partake in the miraculous feeding of our hungry spirits. The power of God’s Word acts through others to nourish our souls. The power of the Eucharist provides spiritual life and sustenance. In Word and Sacrament, God’s gracious gifts, we find an abundance of God's generosity and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet awaiting us in eternity.

*The St. John's Bible, commissioned by St. John's Abbey in Minnesota, includes some of the most inspiring biblical artwork ever produced. Handwritten and illuminated by a team of professional scribes and artists under the direction of Donald Jackson, Senior Illuminator to the Queen of England's Crown Office, both the illuminated Bible and the artwork are available in reproduction at http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/promotions/store/?gclid=CP7086iSgccCFYKPHwod36gDeg .

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.