Whose Glory Is Equal to Yours?

Whose Glory Is Equal to Yours?

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

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? Sirach 48:1-4

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." Matthew 17:10-13

Piety

Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Study

Although we think Advent is about getting ready for the Emmanuel to Come the First Time, many of the readings during this Second Week are about the actual presence of Jesus in Galilee and what will become of him. Jesus is already among the people. 

Today’s Gospel is the exchange as Jesus and Peter, James and John descended from the mountain where they had just witnessed the Transfiguration.  Present in the vision were Elijah and Moses (along with the voice of God). However, the disciples were instructed to remain silent about the vision until after the Resurrection.  So, they took one last chance before rejoining the larger group to try to grasp what just happened.

Jesus explained that Elijah had already returned and the disciples figured that happened in the person of John the Baptist.  However, they still could not fully understand the other part of the prophecy – “So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”

Action

Is the New Advent coming into focus for you this week?

Sometimes Jesus can be very direct, not speaking in parables which are difficult to decipher.  However, when he is forthcoming about what will happen, the combination of the vision and the explanation still only help a little until the disciples actually live through Holy Week.

We need something more.  We need to see the Lord’s face, too. Advent is our waiting game for that vision. Yet, we do not have to look too far. The Lord is reflected in the lonely hospital patient awaiting a visitor. In the homeless person living in a tent outside the REI store. In the abandon children in the third world awaiting a meal, medicine or clothing to make it through the next day.

Jesus is already among the people.  We do not have to wait for Elijah, or John the Baptist or the Second Coming. The Lord of Advent is here, waiting for us to recognize him.  Waiting for us to wait on him. He is suffering until we alleviate his suffering.

You can take that step by supporting the Missionhurst Fathers and their outreach around the world. Many of us have spent time at Missionhurst in Arlington for the Cursillo Weekend experience. We can participate in the broader mission of the order by supporting its work.

Many children in Bois de Laurence, Haiti can’t afford to receive a quality education. They are looking for 100 people to sponsor international students at St. John Bosco school this year.  It costs as little as $10 per month ($120 per year).  Can you help? https://www.missionhurst.org/st.-jean-bosco-school-sponsorship#donate