Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 14, 2024
First Reading: Sirach 48.1-4, 9-11
1And the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch2He brought a famine upon them, and those who provoked him in their envy became few. For they could not bear the precepts of the Lord3By the word of the Lord, he closed the heavens, and he brought down fire from heaven three times4In this way, Elijah was magnified in his wondrous works. So who can say that he is similar to you in glory9He was received into a whirlwind of fire, into a swift chariot with fiery horses10He is written in the judgments of the times, so as to lessen the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob11Blessed are those who saw you, and who were adorned with your friendship
Psalm 80
1Unto the end. For those who will be changed. The testimony of Asaph. A Psalm. The One who reigns over Israel: Be attentive. For you lead Joseph like a sheep. The One who sits upon the cherubim: Shine fort2in the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Awaken your power and draw near, so as to accomplish our salvation3Convert us, O God. And reveal your face, and we will be saved4O Lord, God of hosts, how long will you be angry over the prayer of your servant5How long will you feed us the bread of tears, and give us to drink a full measure of tears6You have set us as a contradiction to our neighbors. And our enemies have ridiculed us7O God of hosts, convert us. And reveal your face, and we will be saved8You have transferred a vineyard from Egypt. You have cast out the Gentiles, and planted it9You were the leader of the journey in its sight. You planted its roots, and it filled the earth10Its shadow covered the hills, and its branches covered the cedars of God11It extended its new branches even to the sea, and its new seedlings even to the river12So then, why have you destroyed its walls, so that all those who pass by the way gather its grapes13The wild boar of the forest has trampled it, and a single wild beast has laid waste to it14Turn back, O God of hosts. Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard15and complete what your right hand has planted, and look upon the son of man, whom you have confirmed for yourself16Whatever has been set on fire and dug under will perish at the rebuke of your countenance17Let your hand be over the man on your right, and over the son of man, whom you have confirmed for yourself18For we do not depart from you, and you will revive us. And we will invoke your name19O Lord, God of hosts, convert us. And reveal your face, and we will be saved
Gospel: Matthew 17.10-13
10And his disciples questioned him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to arrive first?11But in response, he said to them: "Elijah, indeed, shall arrive and restore all things12But I say to you, that Elijah has already arrived, and they did not recognize him, but they did whatever they wanted to him. So also shall the Son of man suffer from them.13Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter the prophetic figure of Elijah and the connection drawn to John the Baptist in the Gospel. The first reading from Sirach vividly describes Elijah as a fiery prophet whose words burned like a torch, bringing both judgment and restoration. His dramatic ascension in a whirlwind of fire underscores God's power and Elijah's unique role in Israel's history. This passage, from a wisdom book emphasizing Jewish virtues, highlights Elijah's impact and the blessings of those who knew him.
The Gospel of Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who connects Elijah to John the Baptist. After the Transfiguration, where Elijah appears alongside Moses, Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in John, preparing the way for the Messiah. This link illustrates the continuity of God's plan, where prophets like John fulfill their roles, often unrecognized, leading to suffering similar to what Jesus would endure. This passage, part of a Gospel written for Jewish-Christians, shows Jesus as the fulfillment of scripture.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded to discern God's messengers in our lives, much like Elijah and John. In our daily lives, we must remain open to the Spirit's work through others, even when they come unexpectedly. The moral lesson here is one of humility and discernment—recognizing that God uses diverse individuals to further His plan. As we navigate our own journeys, may we embrace the prophets in our midst, listening to their call to repentance and renewal, just as Elijah and John did. Let us strive to be attentive to God's voice, whether through scripture or through others, and to respond with faith and humility.