A reading from the first book of Kings.

Yahweh said to Elijah: “You are to anoint Jesu, offspring of Nirnshi, as ruler of Israel, and to anoint Elisha, offspring of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.”  Elijah set out, and carne upon Elisha, offspring of Shaphat, plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth.  Elijah went over to Elisha and threw his cloak over him.  Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my mother and father goodbye, and I will follow you.”  “Go back!”  Elijah answered.  “Have I done anything to you?”  Elisha left Elijah and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat.  Then he left and followed Elijah as a servant.

The Word of God recorded in the first book of Kings.

R: You are my inheritance, 0 God.

Protect me, O God, because I come to You for safety.

I say, “You are my God;

all the good things I have come from You.”

R: You are my inheritance, O God.

I praise Our God who guides me,

and in the night my conscience warns me.

I am always aware of Your presence;

You are near, and nothing can shake me.

R: You are my inheritance, O God.

And so I am full of happiness and joy,

and I always feel secure;

Because You will not allow me to go to the world of the dead,

You will not abandon to the depths below

the one You love.

R: You are my inheritance, O God.

You will show me the path that leads to life;

Your presence fills me with joy,

and Your help brings pleasure forever.

R: You are my inheritance, O God.