Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Lectionary: 186
Lectionary: 186
In those days,
like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah
whose words were as a flaming furnace.
Their staff of bread he shattered,
in his zeal he reduced them to straits;
By the Lord's word he shut up the heavens
and three times brought down fire.
How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
Whose glory is equal to yours?
You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire,
in a chariot with fiery horses.
You were destined, it is written, in time to come
to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD,
To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,
and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob.
Blessed is he who shall have seen you
and who falls asleep in your friendship.
like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah
whose words were as a flaming furnace.
Their staff of bread he shattered,
in his zeal he reduced them to straits;
By the Lord's word he shut up the heavens
and three times brought down fire.
How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!
Whose glory is equal to yours?
You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire,
in a chariot with fiery horses.
You were destined, it is written, in time to come
to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD,
To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons,
and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob.
Blessed is he who shall have seen you
and who falls asleep in your friendship.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 80:2AC AND 3B, 15-16,
18-19
R. (4) Lord,
make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
Take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
Take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
AlleluiaLK 3:4, 6
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 17:9A, 10-13
As they were coming down from the mountain,
the disciples asked Jesus,
"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;
but 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."
Then the disciples understood
that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
the disciples asked Jesus,
"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;
but 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."
Then the disciples understood
that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Meditation: "Elijah must first come"
God gives signs to show what he is about to do. John
the Baptist is one such sign who pointed to Jesus and prepared the way for his
coming. John fulfilled the essential task of all the prophets: to be fingers
pointing to Jesus Christ. John is the last and greatest prophet of the old
kingdom, the old covenant. The Jews expected that when the Messiah would come,
Elijah would appear to announce his presence. John fills the role of Elijah and
prepares the way for the coming of Jesus Christ by preaching a baptism of
repentance and renewal.
As watchful servants, we, too must prepare for the
Lord's coming again by turning away from sin and from everything that would
keep us from pursuing his will. Are you eager to do God's will and are you
prepared to meet the Lord Jesus when he returns in glory?
"Lord Jesus, stir my zeal for your righteousness
and for your kingdom. Free me from complacency and from compromising with the
ways of sin and worldliness that I may be wholeheartedly devoted to you and to
your kingdom."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: John fulfills Elijah's prophetic ministry,
by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.
"They did not know this from
the Scriptures, but the scribes used to tell them, and this saying was reported
among the ignorant crowd, as also about Christ. Therefore the Samaritan woman
also said, 'The Messiah is coming; when he comes, he will show us all things'
(John 4:25). And they themselves asked John, 'Are you Elijah or the prophet?'
(John 1:21). For this opinion was strong, as I said, both the one about Christ
and the one about Elijah, but they did not interpret it as it should have been.
For the Scriptures speak of two comings of Christ, both this one that has taken
place and the future one. Paul spoke of these when he said, 'For the grace of
God has appeared for the salvation of men, training us to renounce irreligion
and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world'
(Titus 2:11-12).
"Behold the first advent, and listen to how he declares the coming advent: 'Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13). The prophets also mention both advents; of the one that is second they say that Elijah will be the forerunner; John was forerunner of the first, John whom Christ also called by the name Elijah, not because he was Elijah but because he was fulfilling Elijah's ministry. For just as Elijah will be the forerunner of the second advent, so John was of the first. But the scribes, confusing these things and perverting the people, mentioned that coming alone, the second one, to the people, and said, 'If this is the Christ, Elijah ought to have come first.' That is why the disciples also say, 'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 57.1)
"Behold the first advent, and listen to how he declares the coming advent: 'Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13). The prophets also mention both advents; of the one that is second they say that Elijah will be the forerunner; John was forerunner of the first, John whom Christ also called by the name Elijah, not because he was Elijah but because he was fulfilling Elijah's ministry. For just as Elijah will be the forerunner of the second advent, so John was of the first. But the scribes, confusing these things and perverting the people, mentioned that coming alone, the second one, to the people, and said, 'If this is the Christ, Elijah ought to have come first.' That is why the disciples also say, 'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 57.1)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, MATTHEW 17:9a, 10-13
Advent Weekday
(Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80)
Advent Weekday
(Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80)
KEY VERSE: "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things" (v. 11).
TO KNOW: In Matthew's account of the Transfiguration, Jesus summoned his disciples "to the mountain" to reveal himself as the one who had full authority "in heaven and on earth" (Mt 28:16-18). The mountain was a unique place of God's revelation. Moses had received the law on Mount Sinai (Ex 20:1-17), and Elijah, defended the supremacy of Gods' covenant against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kgs 18:19-39). On the Mount of the Transfiguration, both Elijah and Moses appeared alongside Jesus revealing that he was the new prophet and liberator. After the vision as Jesus came down the mountain, his disciples asked him about the belief that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah (Mal 3:1, 23). Jesus answered that John the Baptist had already come in the prophetic tradition of Elijah. John's preaching against those who perverted the moral teaching of God had fulfilled the expectation of Elijah's return.
TO LOVE: What is the moral corruption in my community that I must oppose?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, turn my heart to the truth that you teach.
Saturday 15
December 2018
Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4, 9-11. Psalm 79(80):2-3, 15-16, 18-19.
Matthew 17:10-13.
Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved – Psalm 79(80):2-3, 15-16, 18-19.
Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved – Psalm 79(80):2-3, 15-16, 18-19.
‘He had been speaking of John the Baptist.’
Prophets usually have a bad time. Anyone who talks about a
difficult truth is not often popular.
This Advent, we could well get caught up in the pre-Christmas
activities and forget the deeper call to renewal of life. John the Baptist was
fearless in his challenges of behaviours and lifestyles that were oppressive
and destructive. He called people to be their better selves. In return, he was
murdered in the name of revenge. Jesus, you tried to help your closest
followers balance experiences of great joy with the reality that you, like
John, would be killed out of jealousy and hatred. Help me to be strengthened by
joy for the trials that will come.
Blessed Mary Frances Schervier
Saint of the Day for December 15
(January 3, 1819 – December 14, 1876)
 |
| Monument for Mary Frances Schervier | Aachen, Germany | photo by Berthold Werner |
Blessed Mary Frances Schervier’s Story
This woman who once wanted to become a Trappistine nun was
instead led by God to establish a community of sisters who care for the sick
and aged in the United States and throughout the world.
Born into a distinguished family in Aachen—then ruled by
Prussia, but formerly Aix-la-Chapelle, France—Frances ran the household after
her mother’s death, and established a reputation for generosity to the poor. In
1844, she became a Secular Franciscan. The next year she and four companions
established a religious community devoted to caring for the poor. In 1851, the
Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis were approved by the local bishop; the
community soon spread. The first U.S. foundation was made in 1858.
Mother Frances visited the United States in 1863 and helped her
sisters nurse soldiers wounded in the Civil War. She visited the United States
again in 1868. She encouraged Philip Hoever as he was establishing the Brothers
of the Poor of St. Francis.
When Mother Frances died, there were 2,500 members of her
community worldwide. They are still engaged in operating hospitals and homes
for the aged. Mother Mary Frances was beatified in 1974.
Reflection
The sick, the poor, and the aged are constantly in danger of
being considered “useless” members of society and therefore ignored—or worse.
Women and men motivated by the ideals of Mother Frances are needed if the
God-given dignity and destiny of all people are to be respected.
LECTIO DIVINA: MATTHEW
17:10-13
Lectio Divina:
Saturday, December 15, 2018
2nd Week of Advent
1) Opening prayer
Lord
our God,
let us never become indifferent
to the ardent message
which your Son speaks to us in the gospel.
When we have become inattentive and uninvolved,
send us again prophets to wake us up
and make us attentive again,
so that Your kingdom of love
and justice becomes a reality.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
let us never become indifferent
to the ardent message
which your Son speaks to us in the gospel.
When we have become inattentive and uninvolved,
send us again prophets to wake us up
and make us attentive again,
so that Your kingdom of love
and justice becomes a reality.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 17:10-13
The
disciples put this question to him; ”Why then do the scribes say that Elijah
must come first?”
He replied “Elijah is indeed coming, and he will set everything right again; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of man will suffer similarly at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that He was speaking of John the Baptist.
He replied “Elijah is indeed coming, and he will set everything right again; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of man will suffer similarly at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that He was speaking of John the Baptist.
3) Reflection
•
The disciples have just seen Moses and Elijah with Jesus during His
Transfiguration (Mt 17:3). In general, people believed Elijah had to
return in order to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom. The prophet Malachi
said “Look, I shall send you the prophet Elijah before the great and awesome
Day of the Lord. He will reconcile parents to their children and children to
their parents, to forestall my putting the country under the curse of
destruction!” (Mal 3:23-24, cf. Eccl. 48:10). The disciples want to know what
do the doctors of the Law mean when they say that Elijah has to come before.
Because Jesus, the Messiah, had already arrived seemingly before the
expected return of Elijah.
• Jesus answers “Elijah has already come and they have not recognized him; rather, they have treated him as they have wanted. In the same way, they will also make the Son of Man suffer”. Then the Disciples understood that Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist.
• Under Roman domination family and clan life disintegrated. People expected that Elijah would return and reconstruct the community reconciling parents to children and children to parents. This was the great hope of the people. Today, the communism is a system that disintegrates families and destroys life.
• To reconstruct and remake the social fabric can often be dangerous when it undermines an oppressive political system. This is why John the Baptist was killed. He had a mission to reform the way humans lived together (cf. Lk 3:7-14). He carried out the mission of Elijah (Lk 1:17). As a result, he was killed.
• Jesus continues the mission of John to reconstruct life in community. Because God is Father, we are all brothers and sisters. Jesus joins together two loves: love toward God and love toward neighbour, making both visible in the way people live together. This is why, like John, He was put to death.
• Jesus answers “Elijah has already come and they have not recognized him; rather, they have treated him as they have wanted. In the same way, they will also make the Son of Man suffer”. Then the Disciples understood that Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist.
• Under Roman domination family and clan life disintegrated. People expected that Elijah would return and reconstruct the community reconciling parents to children and children to parents. This was the great hope of the people. Today, the communism is a system that disintegrates families and destroys life.
• To reconstruct and remake the social fabric can often be dangerous when it undermines an oppressive political system. This is why John the Baptist was killed. He had a mission to reform the way humans lived together (cf. Lk 3:7-14). He carried out the mission of Elijah (Lk 1:17). As a result, he was killed.
• Jesus continues the mission of John to reconstruct life in community. Because God is Father, we are all brothers and sisters. Jesus joins together two loves: love toward God and love toward neighbour, making both visible in the way people live together. This is why, like John, He was put to death.
4) Personal questions
•
Placing myself in the position of the disciples: does consumerism have power
over me?
• Placing myself in the position of Jesus: Do I have the desire and determination to create a new human way of living together?
• Placing myself in the position of Jesus: Do I have the desire and determination to create a new human way of living together?
5) Concluding Prayer
May
Your help be with the man of Your right hand,
with the Son of Man whom You Yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from You;
give us new life, and we will call upon Your name. (Ps 80)
with the Son of Man whom You Yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from You;
give us new life, and we will call upon Your name. (Ps 80)
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