Today we hear about Elisha’s experience of being called to be a prophet to succeed Elijah. Elisha was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. That means he had 24 of them! To prepare for his new adventure he slaughters them and has a barbeque for his family and friends. It must have been quite a feast. In today’s gospel Jesus speaks about similar behaviors that mark being his faithful followers.
This tells us that our commitment to follow Christ is the most identifying mark of our identity. All the other “hats” we wear – being a parent, child, sister, brother, friend, citizen – all of these relationships are to be influenced by the primacy of our relationship with Christ. Our relationship with the Risen Christ is to be permanent and unconditional.
What helps you to keep your relationship with Christ at the heart of your identity?