After the feast of Pentecost (on May 30th this year) we have returned to "Ordinary Time", which will last until the first Sunday of Advent. For today, our Gospel reading is taken from the Sermon on the Mount, perhaps the most famous section in all of the gospels.

Matthew, the most Jewish of all the gospels, presents Jesus as the new Moses and the Church as the new Israel. This is why Matthew's sermon is on the mountain (like Moses') whereas Luke's is on the plain (everyday life). Today Jesus teaches us to be "straight talkers" - to say what we mean and to say it briefly and directly. This can be a challenge in our Oriental cultures, where it is difficult to be frank for fear of hurting someone's feelings. It is good to be tactful and sensitive, but not at the cost of the truth.

The first reading provides a charming and mysterious contrast with Jesus' teaching. Elisha has been getting very indirect and puzzling answers from Elijah, his father in the Lord. We don't know exactly why. But perhaps we can focus on Elisha's determination and directness. Though he is puzzled by Elijah, he senses clearly what the Lord wants him to do. And he does it, despite the obstacles Elijah seems to place in his way.

Can we be as single-minded and courageous as Elisha? If we have trusting and listening hearts, we can. And the Lord Jesus, who loves honesty, will bless us too.