Join us as we explore the life and prophetic ministry of Elisha, whose feast day is newly celebrated by the Discalced Carmelites. Learn about his miracles, including healing Naaman and raising the dead, and discover the profound legacy he leaves in Carmelite tradition.
Music credit: Sean Beeson
Another aspect of the prophetic spirit in the service of the word is that this spirit can be communicated and almost “subdivided,” according to the needs of the people, as in the case of Moses, who was concerned about the number of Israelites he had to guide and govern, and who were already “six hundred thousand on foot” (Num 11:21). The Lord commanded him to choose and gather “seventy elders of Israel, of whom you know that they are elders and scribes of the people” (Num 11:16). Once that was done, the Lord “took some of the spirit that was in him and gave it to the seventy elders. And as soon as the spirit rested upon them, they began to prophesy…” (Num 11:25).
Similarly, Elisha, when he was about to succeed Elijah, asked to receive “two-thirds of the spirit” of the great prophet, a kind of double part of the inheritance that belonged to the eldest son (cf. Dt 21:17) to be recognized as his principal spiritual heir among the multitude of the prophets and the “sons of the prophets” grouped in communities (2 Kings 2:3). But the spirit is not transmitted from prophet to prophet as an earthly inheritance: it is God who grants it. In fact, this is what happens, and the “sons of the prophets” confirm it: “The spirit of Elijah rests upon Elisha” (2 Kings 2:15; cf. 6:17).
Saint John Paul II
General Audience, 14 February 1990 (excerpt)
Elisha’s Life and Miracles
Elisha, whose name means ‘My God is Salvation,’ succeeded the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2:9–13) and performed numerous miracles (Sirach 48:12–14). These miracles include healing Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5:1–14), raising a child from the dead (2 Kings 4:32–37), and cleansing the impure waters of Jericho, making them pure and life-giving (2 Kings 2:19–22). The prophet Elisha died about 790 B.C. and was buried near Samaria, where in St. Jerome’s time his tomb still existed.
In the Carmelite tradition, the prophets Elijah and Elisha are considered inseparable companions. This is not just because they are prophets, but because they are regarded as the fathers and inspirers of monastic life. This special status is evident in the primitive Carmelite Constitutions, the Carmelite coat of arms, and papal documents approving the Order. For more tangible proof, one can visit the oldest Carmelite churches, where statues of these inspiring fathers are prominently displayed.
The Carmelite tradition places great importance on Elisha’s call and response to God. This reverence is reflected in the Order’s literature, art, and liturgy, which particularly flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. Elisha’s life and actions exemplify a ready and generous heart responding to God’s call, making him a perpetual example for all who seek to live a life of faith and service.
Elisha’s life teaches us the importance of faithful service and the power of God working through his chosen prophets. His miracles remind us of God’s compassion and providence. As we celebrate his feast, let us pray for the courage to live out our prophetic calling, bearing witness to God’s presence in our lives.
To dive deeper into Elisha’s life and its significance, and to hear readings and prayers associated with his feast day, listen to our latest podcast episode embedded at the top of this post or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
Elisha Raising the Shunammite’s SonBenjamin West (American, 1738–1820)
1766, oil on canvas
Speed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky Translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.
https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/06/13/ep03-elisha/
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