Presence

My soul thirsts for you God, the God of my life. Quench my thirst with your word, with your Presence.

First Reading

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 NRSVue

Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens and also three times brought down fire. How glorious you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Who can boast as you can? who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire in a chariot with horses of fire, who were prepared at the appointed time to calm wrath before it breaks out in fury, to turn the hearts of parents to their children and to restore the tribes of Jacob. Happy are those who saw you and were adorned in love! For we also shall surely live.

First Reading Reflection

Expectation of the coming of a Messiah or Saviour was on the minds of the People of God. The One to come would in some way save them, forgive them and give them a home. Elijah and many others would be sent to reconcile the people to God and to turn the hearts of the people to one another. Advent is a time of having a look at our relationships and being grateful for them. We can notice where some relationships have gone dead or sour and think about how we can bring life back to them, and bring about healing and reconciliation, with God’s help.

Gospel

Matthew 17:10-13 NRSVue

And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things, but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Gospel Reflection

We are halfway through Advent, and we are reminded that Jesus will suffer grievously. Even though we are preparing for the birth of the child Jesus, we know how his life will unfold. The shadow of the cross is like a cloud over the crib, as we know that the mission of Jesus will lead him to suffering and to death. We often wonder what sort of life our children will have, knowing that it will not always be pleasant or easy. Mary and Joseph would have wanted to protect their child from harm, as parents always wish. They also wanted to give him the best of their religion to help him through bad times. It is no different for parents today. However, we know that the Resurrection necessitated the Passion and Crucifixion, and so let us allow our faith to be deepened in our trust that an even greater good can come out of our sufferings, and the sufferings of our children. This is the wonderful mystery of our God.

Closing Prayer

Abba, Father, I pray that you would shed light on a relationship in my life where there is a need for forgiveness, reconciliation or healing. Help me to take the right action, even if that means only to pray, or not to act in a way I might want to. I pray that the Holy Spirit would inspire and guide me. Amen.