13 December 2014— Gospel: St Mt 17:9a,10-13

Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent

The Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr

Gospel: St Mt 17:9a,10-13

9a. And as they were coming down the mountain 10. the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?" 11. He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things; 12. but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands." 13. Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Reflection:

In today's Gospel, as d disciples came down frm d mountain of Transfiguration, they asked Jesus abt d return of Prophet Elijah.

Prophet Elijah never died. As he was walking & talking wt his disciple & successor Elisha, he was separated frm him by a chariot of fire & horses of fire & taken up into heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11).

The Jews generally expected d public appearance of Elijah b4 d comg of d Messiah. The appearance of Elijah, they believed, wd signal d comg of d Messiah.

Prophet Elijah appeared in d spirit of John the Baptist, bt d pple didnt recognise him.

Today's Gospel passage poses a question b4 us:

Do v believe in d prophets & their work, specially John the Baptist?????

If nt then hw wd v believe in d Messiah????????????????

Jesus loves u. Hv a fantastic weekend. God bless.
Fr Robin Fargose, Powai