The Coming of Elijah

Today's Reflections

The Coming of Elijah 

graceandspace.org

Mt 17:9a, 10-13

^9aAs they were coming down from the mountain, ¹⁰the disciples asked [Jesus], “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” ¹¹He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; ¹²but 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.” ¹³Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Reflection:

Elijah has already come. The Jewish people believe that the coming of the Messiah will be preceded by the return of the prophet Elijah as his forerunner and herald (cf Mal 3:23). John the Baptist announces the coming of the Messiah. He prepares the people, calling them to reform themselves, turn away from sin and selfishness, and welcome the Messiah. The ways of this Messiah are service and forgiveness, love and compassion. The Jews, unfortunately, do not accept this kind of Messiah.

Elijah and John the Baptist are alike in several ways. Both preach a message of repentance and call for a change of heart. They are persecuted by religious leaders and civil rulers to the point of death. Elijah must escape to Mount Horeb; John is jailed and beheaded by Herod. Elijah came “to restore all things,” and John preached to make straight the Lord’s paths.

Jesus takes the same path in God’s service. It is the way of the cross, of pain and suffering, of sacrifice and self-giving. He challenges us to preach God by our lives and by our crosses.

As Jesus’ birthday draws near,

what is it in your life that needs to be restored

or straightened up?