Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 2nd Week of Advent - Sat
[Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 and Matt 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 will the Son of Man suffer at their hands." [Matthew]
DECEMBER 13 ST. LUCY [virgin and martyr]
Although scripture scholars debate the type, extent and intensity of messianic expectations in the time of Jesus, the four gospels definitely give John the Baptist a role in their understanding of Jesus' life and mission. The prophetic expectations about Elijah in the Old Testament are applied to him in today's gospel scripture from Matthew. Jesus warns the disciples that he would suffer the same fate as John the Baptist- unrecognized, rejected and killed.
Somber thoughts like this in a season when our culture wants us to be jolly can be unsettling. We recoil at the thought that the baby in the manger will one day be the adult on the cross! But the gospels try to tell the whole story and we carry that whole story with us even as we emphasize the beginnings in Advent and Christmas/Epiphany. Treat that crib set with respect because the whole story is there. We are challenged to recognize and adore! AMEN