SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT (C) : Saturday, 14th December 2024

Prophet Elijah’s deeds were many. He performed
many miracles and defended the religion of Israel
against idolatry. Finally, rather than letting him die a
physical death, he was taken up to heaven in a fiery
chariot before the amazed eyes of his apprentice
prophet, Elisha. But his greatest miracle was yet to
come. Before the great and terrible day of the Lord, he
would come to calm the wrath of God and reconcile
parents and children and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
Happy are those who see this turning of hearts to one
another, ever vigilant to wait for the Lord’s coming.
God’s voice will come to us in many ways, so we need
to be open-minded and attentive.

After the transfiguration, Jesus and the Apostles
were coming down the mountain. Jesus told them to tell
no one until after the Son of Man had risen from the
dead. They started discussing what that might mean, for
there were many competing ideas about life after death.
The conversation turned to Elijah – when would he
come? Then the shocker – he had already come in the
person of John the Baptist, who was mistreated and
killed. People had not been attentive. How docile are we
to perceive the Lord’s way of preparing us for His
kingdom? The way of the prophets are reforming and
intended for conversion. Now, would we want Jesus to
suffer the same fate? God has visited us and will come
again.

Lord, help me to see You clearly in mind and heart.