Gospel: December 16, 2023

(Saturday)

2nd Week of Advent

Psalter: Week 2 / (Violet)

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 80: 2ac & 3b, 15-16, 18-19

Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

1st Reading: Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-11Gospel: Matthew 17: 9a, 10-13And as they came down the mountain, the disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered, “So it is: first comes Elijah; and he will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come; and they did not recognize him; and they treated him as they pleased. And they will also make the Son of Man suffer.”

Then the disciples understood that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist.

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Reflection:“God always sends his prophets during difficult times.”

Though he doesn’t have a book of the Bible named after him, Elijah is one of the greatest prophets in the history of Israel. He served as a prophet during an especially difficult time in the kingdom of Israel. The king was no longer faithful to the covenant with the Lord and worship of false gods, especially Baal, was rampant. Almost all of the prophets of the Lord had been killed. (To be honest, God always sends his prophets during difficult times. Prophets rarely show up to say, “Good job, everyone! Stay happy!”) Through God’s power, Elijah performed astonishing miracles, feeding multitudes and defeating a company of Baal’s prophets.

Elijah did not die. Instead, he was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. Because of this, many people believed that he would return to welcome the Messiah. Matthew identifies John the Baptist with Elijah, as John came to prepare the way for Jesus by preaching conversion and repentance. What prophets in our day are calling us to follow Jesus more closely?