REFLECTIONS TODAY
Jesus and his disciples are going down the mountain after Jesus’ transfiguration. The disciples ask Jesus about the return of Elijah.
Elijah, a great prophet in the Old Testament, was carried by a flaming chariot before the sight of Elisha (2 Kgs 2:11-12). He is prophesied by Malachi to return before the coming of the day of the Lord (Mal 3:23).
Jesus tells the disciples that Elijah has already come, carrying out his mission for the restoration of relationships (Mal 3:24; Lk 1:17). However, people are not able to recognize him. The evangelist explains that the disciples understand that Jesus refers to John the Baptist as Elijah who is expected to return.
The mission of John the Baptist is to help restore relationships in order to prepare people for the day of the Lord.
How do we prepare for the day of the Lord? Do we work for the restoration of broken relationships? Do we recognize the people who are sent to us by God that we may learn how to relate well?
Gospel • 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.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.