Our first reading today introduces Elisha, a great prophet and miracle worker of the Old Testament, being called by Elijah, another great prophet and miracle worker. Elisha is hard at work in the field when Elijah offers him a new position as Elijah’s attendant. (Think “personal assistant” or “trusted aide.”) Elisha immediately stops what he is doing and, after saying goodbye to his parents in somewhat dramatic fashion, joins Elijah in doing God’s work.
Elisha’s response reminds me of disciples who were called by Jesus: Simon, Andrew, James and John abandoned boats and nets to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22); Matthew walked away from his tax collector’s booth (Matthew 9:9). A common thread in these (and many other stories from Scripture) is of God interrupting someone who is busy – sometimes with a major life change, sometimes with an opportunity to serve or show love. Remember the example Jesus gives of the loving neighbor, the Good Samaritan who interrupts his business trip to care for the suffering person at the side of the road?
Many of us lead busy lives, with daily calendars filled with work responsibilities, family commitments, leisure activities, even church obligations. We resist anything that distracts us from what we have before us or that takes away from what we consider important. I am reminded that, as a child, I too often responded childishly when my mother or father asked me to do something. “I’m busy!” “Not now. I’m already doing something.” “Can’t someone else do it?” “Can it wait until my show is over?” Is our response equally childish when our Heavenly Father wants us to do something?
Our Heavenly Father will call us, in different ways, often at inopportune times. Listen for God’s voice. Heed the Spirit’s promptings to serve, to minister, to love.
David Crawford
I was Creighton’s University Archivist from January 2007 to April 2021, although as a faculty spouse I had been a part of the Creighton community since 1995. As University Archivist, I was responsible for archival, rare books and special collections, as well as for a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible on loan to Creighton. I left Creighton to assist others with historical, archival, cultural and various artistic projects.
I have been married to my wife, Sue, since 1990. We have two sons, one a graduate of Fordham and the other a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I enjoy birdwatching, playing soccer, music and comedy.
The online Daily Reflections have been an important part of my faith journey for several years. I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to write these devotions.
