(Please read this Scripture passage first, before the homily.)
Elijah came to the end of his life on earth. The Scriptures do not say that he died, but was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. He figures in later Jewish circles as the one somehow to usher in the age of the Messiah.
Elijah has a first place among the prophets. He chose his successor. He left no writings, but, with Moses, was ambassador to the Lord Jesus at the transfiguration on the mountain with Peter, James and John
Elisha, his successor, inherited a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This probably means that he received the share that the eldest son would receive upon the death of his father. In the Spanish translation, Elisha asks to be the principal heir of Elijah’s spirit. Elisha apparently did receive this double portion, or principal share, for the Scriptures record eight miracles by Elijah and sixteen by Elisha.
What does all this mean for us? First, Elisha asks for the principal share, and God grants it. Second, it is a good thing to mentor others in their growth. Third, even strong people like Elijah have to come to the end of their time on earth. Fourth, God continues to provide for his people: when God takes one away, God provides another. Fifth, no matter how good our opinions are, God knows more and we know less: we should listen to other people because God may be speaking to us through them.
Back in the days of the Kings of Israel, the firstborn (son) inherited a double portion, or twice, what every other son received. Jesus is the firstborn and only Son of God. He has the fullness of God’s Spirit. Jesus, however, has incorporated us into his body in baptism. This means that we enjoy the same share of the Spirit that Christ has because Christ has made us into himself through baptism. Elisha used his double portion to block the flow of the Jordan River: how do we use our double portion of God’s Spirit?