December 11, 2004
Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Father Jason Koch, LC

Matthew 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.

Introductory Prayer:Lord Jesus, my savior, I wish to please you through my prayer. Help me to be here for you and listen to what you wish to tell me today.

Petition:Christ, I pray that you would forgive me from my worldly ways and instruct me in your own ways.

1. Elijah Has Come.b> “But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him.” Many of the Jews were anxiously looking for the coming of Elijah, for the return of one of the greatest prophets of old. As told in the book of the prophet Malachi (3:23): “Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day.” Even after the Christ’s resurrection, many Jews disputed Christ as the Messiah since “Elijah” had not returned. The truth of the matter was that “they did not recognize him.” Who knows what they were looking for exactly. What we do know is that they were definitely not seeking someone who would demand a repentance from their sins.

2. The Holy Spirit Speaks. Elijah has also come in many ways into our lives. Whether we recognize him or not will depend immensely on what we are looking for. How regularly does the Holy Spirit tell us something in prayer that we don’t want to hear and we pretend not to notice? It’s amazing how seldom our expectations are exactly the same as God’s. He asks one thing and we want so many things that are contrary to his will. The Messiah wants to come into our lives, but cannot do so until we recognize his harbinger of grace. Seek the Lord at all times; in other words, have an ear open to hear his voice, and you will much sooner find Christ’s peace.

3. Whatever You Please. They did to John whatever they pleased. They may have taken some ideas from him that they liked. Or they may have disregarded everything he said after he insisted on their repentance. Whatever the case they did not accept his message regarding the one who was to come after him, the one whose sandals he was not worthy to loosen. This is the lot of those who want to choose the Christ they worship; they cannot accept him unless they can pick what suits them according to their worldly standards. Yet the worst part is that they really choose themselves. Let us not filter the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, but listen and fulfill each and every one with love.

Dialogue with Christ: Jesus, make me more like you in thoughts, words and deeds. I want to be like you in the way you accepted the Father’s will at all times. Give me the grace I need to grow in love for you each day.

Resolution: I will be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and respond quickly when I hear his voice.