Elijah has come again

Elijah has come again

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4.9-12, Mt. 17:10-13. Elijah certainly caught the imagination of the Jews, because he was taken up from earth in a whirlwind (2 Kgs 2:11); and Jewish tradition expected his return to preach repentance and renewal before the dawn of the great Messianic age. While John the Baptist imaged the more austere and stern aspects of Elijah, Jesus also saw Himself in the role of Elijah, but rather as the persecuted prophet who ushers in the day of the Lord. Today’s first reading sees Elijah’s greatest legacy as re-establishing unity within the families and tribes of Israel. However, unity was and is a most difficult goal to achieve. If a serious division sets in between members of the same nation or family, it seems impossible to restore any kind of peaceful agreement.

In today's Gospel, Jesus identifies John the Baptist with the prophet Elijah, whose return was expected just before the coming of the long awaited Messiah. Jesus says of the Elijah-figure, John the Baptist, that “they did not recognize him, but treated him as they pleased.” The experience of the Baptist would become the experience of Jesus, as Jesus says: “the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.” John and Jesus proclaimed the values of Kingdom of God and they suffered greatly for doing so. As we draw nearer to celebrating the birth of Jesus we are reminded of the Cross that awaits the child Jesus. At Christmas, we celebrate the Good News that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Today, reminds us that 'God’s giving' was a 'giving-unto-death', a giving that is so precious to humanity. At this time of the year, we pray for this generosity, so that we can give to others what God has given to us.

May the Lord teach us to know the Father as He is, so that we may imitate the generosity of God! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Weekend!!!

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