Greetings on this the Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; PS 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13
Notes: When God speaks we often don’t listen.
The difference may be Sunday’s gospel message.
Today’s answer is the twin goals:
- To BE AT PEACE WITH GOD.
- TO BE AT PEACE WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.
- Friday: We neither dance nor mourn.
- Saturday: We neither recognize John (Elijah) nor Jesus (Messiah).
- Sunday (tomorrow): The crowds did listen and ask and change at the word of John.
In today’s gospel portion Jesus laments to the disciples that the people did not recognize Elijah (Mt 17:13) nor will they recognize him.
[Herod Antipas] had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus (Mt 14:10-12).
And then he says: So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands (Mt 17:12b).
Jesus said this all before.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come (Mt 11:14).
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised (Mt 16:21).
And he’ll repeat it twice more.
First reading
As to John, Elijah returned.
You were destined, it is written, in time to come
to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD,
To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,
and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob.
Isn’t this not the best possible outcome?
- To BE AT PEACE WITH GOD.
- TO BE AT PEACE WITH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.
Responsorial Psalm
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Alleluia Verse
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel Portion
As they were coming down from the mountain,
the disciples asked Jesus,
“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;
but I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.
So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood
that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
How can we listen?
- Pray.
- Read sacred Scripture.
- Attend Mass.
- Do acts of charity.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 