Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 10, 2016 - 2nd Week of Advent - Sat
[Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 and Matt 17:9a, 10-13]SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016 SATURDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK IN ADVENT [Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 and Matthew 17:9a, 10-13] "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. Into all the Advent expectations comes a sober note. John the Baptist is a central figure in the story of Jesus' origins and ministry. Although he attracted followers and brought many to repentance, his preaching confronted the political powers of his time with immoral behavior. He was imprisoned and beheaded. Jesus takes the opportunity in responding to the disciples' question about Elijah to predict his own suffering and death. The Church includes this passage as a reminder of the bigger story of Jesus beyond this season. It's a bit like hanging a crucifix on the wall of the stable in Bethlehem! Despite the focus of Advent and Christmas/Epiphany, we know there is a bigger story. Children know the whole of their favorite stories. And they demand the whole story over and over again, with no shortcuts! That is what the liturgical calendar does and what we must preach. We keep one eye on what is happening and another on what is to come. AMEN
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