Break, break

The call of the prophet Elisha in today’s first reading is rich with symbolic actions and images, but a key theme is the sharp break that takes place in Elisha’s life: he leaves his family, he irrevocably gives up his means of livelihood, and he walks away from a good living to become a servant.

While we dare not forsake our truly God-given responsibilities, as followers of Christ we must do as Elisha did.

When we follow Christ, we make a clean break: putting aside anyone and anything that keeps us from serving God and His people.

It isn’t easy and it isn’t something to be done only once. As our Lord says (Luke 9:23),
"If anyone wishes to come after me,
he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily
and follow me."