Click here for today’s Scripture readings.
Sir 48:1-4, 9-11
Mt 17:9a, 10-13
In today’s gospel reading from Matthew the disciples’ question to Jesus reminds me of a child’s question to almost anything “Why?” “Why must Elijah come first?”, they ask, with the underlying question, “And when is he coming?” Jesus assures them that indeed the waiting is over. Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, the long hoped-for Messiah.
Unlike the people in Matthew’s gospel we are not waiting for the birth of the Messiah, since we know that this event has already taken place in history some 2000 years ago. However, we are waiting to celebrate that Jesus has been born for us, he is “Emmanuel, God with us”. And we wait now in joyful hope for the time when he will come again in glory.
During these weeks of waiting we prepare our minds and hearts through acts of kindness and giving, so that we will be ready to rejoice in the peace of God’s love given to us at Christmas. We continue the work of Jesus by bringing “joy and hope to the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted. (Gaudium et Spes) Today, the spirit of Jesus dwells in the hearts of all believers who model the sign of God’s presence in the world.
The questions then for us are not “why” but “how”:
- How does the light of Christ shine in us so that those who live in darkness will be able to see it?
- How are we aware of God’s presence in the midst of our own suffering?
- How do we recognize the dignity of all persons, beginning with those whom we encounter each day?
- How do we become the echo of the Word of God that will lead others to believe?
Lord Jesus, as we wait in joyful hope for your coming again in glory, help us to live grace-filled lives and empower us to witness to the truth of your gospel.
Alice Smith has been a part of Holy Family’s women’s retreat ministry for many years. She lives with her husband on Cape Cod.
Related articles
- Marathana tha! Come, Lord Jesus! (thepassionists.org)
- Saint Francis of Assisi (thepassionists.org)
- Above All Else (thepassionists.org)
