NOTES for Ki1 19:19-21

Elisha does something, it would seem completely absurd. In what these poor oxen have hampered him? Was it necessary to roast them and distribute? He should have given them back to the house, and that’s all. But Elisha wanted for a certain reason to give all what he was bearing a responsibility of in "his ancient life". Elijah calls him for ministry, and Elisha accepts this call with all seriousness. He doesn’t lead these oxen to the house, because they belong no more to him, and he doesn’t just set them free - it is important for Elisha to feed others. He has given everything he had, and now begins with empty hands his new way - the way of the prophet of God.

What a wonderful example Elisha gives us! What we see? A man, working on the field, and moreover on his cattle, and this means that it is a wealthy enough man. And here he commits an "inconsiderate" act: at a flash he decides to follow Elijah, leaving behind all that he possesses. And how he decides, after what? Indeed, the heart that doubts will unlikely understand "the cast mantle" as an unambiguous sign coming from God (1kings 19:19) … And then Elijah himself asks Elisha: "what have I done to thee?" (1Rois 19:20) - giving him therefore another possibility of doubting … But for Elisha yes is yes, and no is no (see Matt. 5:37). The idea that God wants it so, which appeared in the heart, is directly transformed into the decision to fulfill, by which follows the action. May God give us such strengths to make the right choice, when in the heart glimmers at least a feeblish, but nevertheless understanding of what is better for us.