Waiting for Elijah
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13
Saint of the Day
Franciscan Reflection
In his life and writings, John of the Cross has a crucial word for us today. We tend to be rich, soft, comfortable. We shrink even from words like self-denial, mortification, purification, asceticism, discipline. We run from the cross. John’s message—like the gospel—is loud and clear: Don’t—if you really want to live!
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-of-the-cross/
Summary
The memorial of Saint John of the Cross fits well with today’s sacred readings in his self-denial and his openness to hear and see the Lord’s response. Our first reading comes from the section of Sirach which recalls the prophets Elijah and Elisha (who just out of range today). Elijah, his words a flaming furnace, disputed the idolatry of the day. By his actions he affirmed the supremacy of the Lord with fire from heaven, and power over death. And he was promised to return (by the prophet Malachi, represented by Sirach).
You are 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 parents toward their children,
and to re-establish the tribes of Israel.
Then come John the Baptist and Jesus.
IMPORTANT: Tomorrow, The Third Sunday of Advent, we get a full scripture reading of the ministry of John which always begin with: what should we do? Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.
Reflection
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.
Over two days we have been reflecting on the failure to consider the invitation into the divine life. Flute and Dirge and then Elijah and John. In the time of Jesus, John was the fulfillment of Elijah, a promise the elite and leadership waited for just the same as every ordinary people. It was the powerful who did not recognize John as Elijah. The people, the ordinary people, they got it. Worse still, the attitude toward John and Jesus was deadly, both murdered by the powerful.
Personal Reflection
How many times has the Lord visited me and I did not recognize him? I am no different than any of the others!
Tomorrow we’ll review doctor John the Baptist’s prescriptions. Today, we sit in our silence. Lord, forgive me for not recognizing you in your many visitations. Worse still, please Lord, let me not crucify you again! Amen! Amen! Maranatha, Lord!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121424.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry