Today's first reading tells of the final days of the great prophet Elijah. Having mentored his successor Elisha, Elijah is taken into heaven riding a chariot of fire. Elisha, who witnessed this event, picks up Elijah's mantle and assumes his role as God's prophet during very troubled times.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection describes one of the great miracles ascribed to Elisha. The prophet rewards a hostess with the promise of a son, despite her husband's old age. However, the boy dies from mysterious causes, causing his mother to send for Elisha and ask why God would have given a son only to have him die so soon. The prophet comes again to the house and, through prayer, brought the boy back to life.
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If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 1-5 today.
