Saturday 15 December

Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 79 (80):2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17:10-13

Prepare the way

As they come down the mountain after the transfiguration, the disciples, prompted by having seen Elijah, question Jesus about a popular belief. In the last days, Elijah was expected to return to prepare the way of the Messiah. Jesus agrees with this belief. His ‘but I tell you’ indicates he is going to add something. Elijah had already returned in the person of John the Baptist. Both these prophets called the people to repentance and were persecuted by a wicked king. Through the suffering of John, the new Elijah, Jesus turns to his suffering. How can I be with him?